Primary election gives big voices to the few who vote

It’s just about time for this year’s primary election.

The low number of contested races on the Democratic ticket may keep some voters away from the ballot boxes, but it shouldn’t. It would be a shame to put too much control into the hands of a few who take time to vote.

Voter turnout likely will be higher for the Republican ticket. The ballot has competitive races locally for Franklin County sheriff and 3rd District county commissioner.

Commissioner Roy Dunn is being challenged by David Hood for his 3rd-district seat. Two challengers, Jim Honn and Tony LeMaster, hope to unseat Sheriff Craig Davis in the primary. The winner of that contest will face Democratic challenger Byron Goracke, Williamsburg, who is unopposed in the primary, in the general election.

At the federal level, Republican former U.S. Rep. Jim Ryun will face off against Kansas Treasurer Lynn Jenkins for the opportunity to run against Democratic incumbent U.S. Rep. Nancy Boyda in the Nov. 4 general election. Democrats Jim Slattery, Topeka, will face Lee Jones, Overland Park, for the U.S. Senate seat and the chance to challenge incumbent Republican Sen. Pat Roberts in three months.

Some Republican voters also will be able to choose between Jeannie Plaisted, Osawatomie, and Cara Polsley, Ottawa, for state representative. The winner will face incumbent Democrat Bill Feuerborn. Other Republican voters in the 9th District can choose between Sheila Lampe, Piqua, and Bill Otto, LeRoy, for state representative.

Learn more about the candidates at tonight’s candidates’ forum 7 p.m. at the Franklin County Office Annex, 1418 S. Main St., Ottawa. Of course voters don’t have to wait until election day to cast their votes. Advance voting is available at the Franklin County clerk’s office at the county courthouse, 315 S. Main St., Ottawa, allowing the public to get one more important task checked on their to-do-list with a clear conscience. If you can’t attend the forum go to The Ottawa Herald’s Web site at www.ottawaherald.com for information on countywide candidates. You’ll find a link to “Election 2008” right next to the “Opinion” link at the top of the home page.

 If you have no other reason to go to the polls think of the great example you can set for your children or grandchildren. Take them with you. Let them see democracy in action. It is a great primer for those kids who get to vote on their very own ballot as part of the community’s Kids Voting initiative in November.

Empowering active and engaged citizens is a significant benefit of voting regardless of how many contested races there are on the ballot.