Candidates file for upcoming 2016 elections
The deadline to file for the 2016 General Election has passed, and several candidates are vying for local, state and federal offices.
At the local level, incumbent Democrat Bill Elmer of Hoyt and Republican Melvin Bailey of Mayetta are both seeking election to the third district of the Jackson County Commission.
The third district includes Adrian, Douglas, Lincoln and Washington townships.
Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse (Democrat) is running for re-election and will face Republican Bob McNicholas in the Nov. 8 election.
Three have filed for 61st District seat of the Kansas House of Representatives. Becky Hutchins, who currently holds that position, is not seeking re-election.
Republicans Dan Brenner of Holton and Francis Awerkamp of St. Marys, as well as Democrat Lauren Van Wagoner of Hoyt are running for the seat.
The state’s primary election has been set for Aug. 2. Once the primary election is complete, candidates with the most votes in their political party will advance to the general election.
The following is a list of candidates who have filed for the election:
U.S. Senate: Jerry Moran (Incumbent Rep.), Monique Singh (Dem.), Patrick Wiesner (Dem.) and DJ Smith (Rep.).
U.S. Representative — Second District: Lynn Jenkins (Incumbent Rep.) and Britani Potter (Dem.).
State Senate — First District: Dennis Pyle (Incumbent Rep.) and Jerry Henry (Dem.).
State Representative — 61st District: Dan Brenner (Rep.), Francis Awerkamp (Rep.) and Lauren Van Wagoner (Dem.).
State Representative — 62nd District: Randy Garber (Incumbent Rep.).
State Board of Education — Sixth District: Deena Horst (Incumbent Rep.).
Jackson County Commissioner — Second District: Janet Zwonitzer (Incumbent Rep.).
Jackson County Commissioner — Third District: Bill Elmer (Incumbent Dem.) and Melvin Bailey (Rep.).
Several Jackson County residents have expressed interest in filing for the commission seats as Independents.
The Jackson County Clerk’s Office said that, in order to file as an Independent for that race, candidates must file by petition and have that paperwork submitted to the clerk’s office by noon on Aug. 1.
Jackson County Clerk: Kathy Mick (Incumbent Rep.).
Jackson County Treasurer: Linda Gerhardt (Incumbent Rep.).
Jackson County Register of Deeds: Tammy Moulden (Incumbent Dem.).
Jackson County Attorney: Shawna Miller (Incumbent Rep.).
Jackson County Sheriff: Tim Morse (Incumbent Dem.) and Bob McNicholas (Rep.).
For more information about the election, call the county clerk’s office at 364-5200.
Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation Election
In addition, several Jackson County residents have filed for seats on the Prairie Band Potawatomi Tribal Council and Ethics Commission. Those candidates include:
Tribal Council Vice Chair: Warren “Hardy” Eteeyan, Joyce Kitchkommie Guerrero, Lorrie Wahwassuck-Melchior, Anna Wahwassuck-Boswell, Laura Harrison Abeyta, Lisa Wamego, Zach Pahmahmie and Tamara M. McClammy.
Tribal Council Treasurer: Jona Potts Rupnicki, Noah Wahquahboshkuk and Amanda Nioce Barbosa.
Tribal Council Person #2: Ann Simon Decoteau, Thomas “Hoppy” Wabnum, Laura Ogden Ward, Sylvia Kay “Chaz” Moss, Adrian “Gubba” Hale, Chris “Pah Nah” Mzhickteno, Jancita Warrington and Theresa Jessepe Murray.
Tribal Council Person #3: Carrie Wabaunsee O’Toole, Paula Hopkins, Juanita Jessepe, Melvin Lewis, Helen Sumner, Michelle Simon, Tony Wahweotten and William “Bill” Evans.
Ethics Commission Chair: Burton Warrington and Ma’Ko’Quah Abigail Jones.
Ethics Commissioner #1: Gilreath Aitkens and Verna Potts.
Ethics Commissioner #2: Blake Garrison and Evelyn “Evie” Hopkins.
Ethics Commissioner #3: Laura “Cham-e-quah” Rice and Tracy Potts.
Ballots will be mailed out to all Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation registered voters on Friday, June 10, it was reported.
All completed ballots must be submitted to the Election Board Post Office Box in Mayetta no later than 9 a.m. on July 23, when, at that time, they will be counted.
Candidates must win by a majority vote. A run-off election will be held on Aug. 20 if needed.
