Guest column
by State Sen. David Haley
Newspaper readers are more prone than others to vote each time, every time an Election and the resulting opportunity to be heard (and represented) presents itself. That’s a good thing! Thank you. But, since this Primary Election is so crucial, I wanted to ask news readers to bring a family member or neighbor or friend to the polls with you, too.
Many Election-related standards are gauged by the strengths-weaknesses exhibited in this Primary election turnout. Why only vote for U.S. President every four years?
Advance voting (by mail or at the Elections Office, 8th and State Avenue, or the Satellite Office, near State Avenue and 110th), has begun. It is estimated that one-third of ballots will be cast in advance.
Below is a brief primer from the Election Office, which is represented neutrally and without endorsement of any candidate or even political party by me, that I would personally appreciate your, the reader, sharing with our only occasionally voting family member or neighbor or friend. Please?
What is a Primary Election?
The Primary Election is this Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2014. This election is held for the Democratic Party and the Republican Party. It is the opportunity for members of each Party to choose their candidates who will advance to the General Election, Nov. 4, 2014.
As a Party election, the political parties set the rules for who is eligible to vote their Party ballot.
Voters affiliated with the Democratic Party vote a Democratic Party ballot.
Voters affiliated with the Republican Party vote a Republican Party ballot.
Voters who are not affiliated with either Party must affiliate to be eligible to vote a Party ballot.
Voters who are affiliated with the Libertarian Party are not eligible to vote in either Party election. Libertarian Party candidates have been selected by caucus. Libertarian Party voters may be eligible to vote in a non-partisan special election, such as the sales tax election in the city of Edwardsville.
Why should I vote?
Besides all of the obvious reasons, you should know there are some very interesting races on both Party ballots this year.
The Democratic Party ballot has:
Two nominees for United States Senator. The contenders are Chad Taylor and Patrick Wiesner.
Two nominees for United States Representative. The contenders are Kelly Kultala and Reginald (Reggie) Marselus.
Three nominees for District Court Judge, Division 11. The three candidates are Timothy L. Dupree, Courtney Mikesic, and James T. Yoakum.
Many precincts will also be electing precinct committeemen and precinct committeewomen. The Primary is the only opportunity for party voters to elect their party precinct committee.
The Republican Party ballot has:
Four nominees for United States Senator. The nominees are Pat Roberts, D.J. Smith, Milton Wolf, and Alvin E. Zahnter.
Two sets of nominees for Governor/Lieutenant Governor. The nominees are Sam Brownback/Jeff Colyer and Jennifer Winn/Robin R. Lais.
Two nominees for Secretary of State. The nominees are Kris Kobach and Scott Morgan.
Five nominees for Commissioner of Insurance. The candidates are Beverly Gossage, David J. Powell, Ken Selzer, Clark Shultz, and John M. Toplikar.
Many precincts will also be electing precinct committeemen and precinct committeewomen. The Primary is the only opportunity for party voters to elect their party precinct committee.
For more voting information, including complete candidate lists for both parties and all races, visit www.wycovotes.org, www.wycokck.org/election, or call 913-573-8500.