Lyon County Clerk Karen Hartenbower said she would love to see a crowd when advance voting starts Wednesday at the Lyon County Courthouse. But she’s not counting on it.
Probably about 15 to 18 percent of registered voters will cast a ballot in this month’s primary, she said. Why so low? Well, it’s an off-year election, it’s a primary election and it’s an election with no state or national candidates — all factors that tend to keep the voters home.
And that’s frustrating.
“Every election is important,” Hartenbower said. “But this one affects your city management and the school board, the education of your children. They’re important to everyone. But we can’t get the voters out.”
For those hoping to reverse the trend, advance voting will be available at the courthouse through noon Feb. 26. Voters may register at the courthouse through Monday.
Candidates in the primary election are:
• Emporia City Commission — Bobbie Agler, Phil Dillon, Jeff Longbine, Mike Mercer, Tom Myers, Kevin Nelson, Jesse Solis, Percy Wayman.
• Southern Lyon County school board Position 2 — Kenny Hamman, John O’Connor, Donald Roberts.
• Southern Lyon County school board Position 7 — Craig Clark, Jesse Howard, Roland Martin.
The primary election will be Feb. 27. The top six city candidates and the top two candidates in the two school board races will continue to the April 3 general election.