BY KATI RIVERA
November is known as election month, but for many people – especially college students – fully understanding the pattern and system of elections can be difficult. Different elections occur on a consistent cycle. There is the “General Election” every four years when citizens vote in the presidential election, state governor elections, and other occurring vacancies, whereas the “Midterm Elections” occur every two years.
During the midterms, voters choose an individual to represent their smaller district (determined by an even population amount) in the state legislature, and the individuals representing the state’s larger districts at the state house of representatives, as well as other positions that fluctuate year to year.
In Kansas, 125 smaller districts are combined to make up four larger districts, each averaging around 734,000 residents. Small district representatives are important because they provide advocacy on a more personal level. Because they are residents of the area they represent, they can attest to the local opinions of their constituents on topics like budgeting, funding, education, and health care.
Every district will vote for its representative on the ballot for this upcoming election. For Hays (the 111th district), the two candidates running for House Representative are Barbara Wasinger and Edward Hammond.
Along with the district representative, the Hays ballot will consist of: Governor of Kansas, Kansas Treasurer, Congress representative, U.S. Senate Representative, Attorney General of Kansas, Kansas Commissioner of Insurance, Kansas Court of Appeals, Kansas Secretary of State, Kansas Supreme Court, Lieutenant Governor of Kansas, and two amendments to the Kansas Constitution.
Voters can find their assigned locations to vote by searching “where to vote” on Google and inputting their registered addresses. As an eligible voter, the best way to have a voice in upcoming issues is to vote for representatives that align with your goals for the future. Information can be found on each candidate at ballotpedia.org/Kansas_Sample_Ballot. Take the future into your hands and be a student that votes.