By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
The official primary election date this summer is Tuesday, Aug. 4. But early voting is now underway at the Barton County Clerk’s Office on the second floor of the Barton County Courthouse. A valid photo ID is required to vote.
Office hours at the clerk’s office are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Early voting will take place through Monday, Aug. 3 at noon, then regular polling locations will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day.
A variety of local elected offices are up for grabs, with races decided in the Nov. 3 general election. All seven Barton County Commission candidates will be featured in the Republican primary, with three candidates for the District 1 job, and two candidates each for District 4 and District 5.
The Great Bend City Council also features several contested races with two candidates for Ward 1, three candidates for Ward 2, and two candidates in Ward 3. Council positions for the Ellinwood and Hoisington city councils will also be on the ballot, the Olmitz mayoral and council races will come down to a write-in bid. Several state races are also included in the primary.
The amendment regarding the election of Supreme Court justices and eliminating the current merit-based selection will be determined in the primary race. Any voters wishing to remain unaffiliated for the primary election may still vote on that issue.
The clerk’s office also reported the ballot drop box located in the alley behind the Hoisington Police Department has been damaged and will not be used for the Aug. 4 primary. Voters still have the option of voting early at the clerk’s office or showing up to their polling place on Election Day.