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Category Archives: Elections
The November 2022 Election Voting Starts This Week
The general election will be November 8, but those who wish to, may vote earlier.
Early voting will begin Wednesday, October 26th and will be open Monday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and will end on Monday, November 7th at noon.
People may vote at the Bourbon County Courthouse, 210 S. National Ave. in the commission room.
To view the sample ballot:
“We provide early voting to allow everyone the opportunity to vote, which is why we started offering Saturday voting,” said Ashley Shelton, Bourbon County Clerk. “We had a good turnout in the primary for early voting and a lot of positive comments regarding Saturday voting. We will continue to offer Saturday voting as an option if people continue to utilize it.”
In addition to selecting candidates, there will be two questions on this ballot, one about the election of sheriffs and one about Kansas legislative oversight.
Taken from the ballot:
County Sheriff Question
This amendment would preserve the
right of citizens of each county
that elected a county sheriff to continue
electing the county sheriff. The
amendment would also provide
that a county sheriff only may be
involuntarily removed from office
pursuant to either a recall election
or a writ of quo warranto initiated
by the attorney general.
A writ of quo warranto is a common law remedy which is used to challenge a person’s right to hold a public or corporate office, according to https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/quo_warranto
A yes vote for this proposition would
preserve the right of citizens of
each county, to
continue electing the county sheriff
via popular vote. The amendment
would also direct that a county
sheriff only may be involuntarily
removed from office pursuant to
either a recall election or a writ
of quo warranto initiated by the
attorney general.
A no vote against this proposition
would not make any changes to
the constitution and would retain
current law concerning the election
of a sheriff and the procedures for
involuntary removal of a sheriff from
office.
The amendment states:
County and township
officers. (a) Except as provided
in subsection (b), each county
shall elect a sheriff for a term of
four years by a majority of the
qualified electors of the county
voting thereon at the time of voting
designated for such office pursuant
to law in effect on January 11, 2022,
and every four years thereafter.
(b) The provisions of subsection
(a) shall not apply to a county
that abolished the office of sheriff
prior to January 11, 2022. Such
county may restore the office of
sheriff as provided by law and such
restoration shall be irrevocable.
A county that restores the office
of sheriff shall elect a sheriff by a
majority of the qualified electors
of the county voting thereon for a
term of four years. Such sheriff shall
have such qualifications and duties
as provided by law. The time of
voting for the office of sheriff may
be provided for by the legislature
pursuant to section 18 of article 2 of
this constitution.
(c) The filling of vacancies and the
qualifications and duties of the
office of sheriff shall be as provided
by law.
(d) The legislature shall provide for
such other county and township
officers as may be necessary.
§ 5. Removal of officers. (a) Except
as provided in subsection (b), all
county and township officers may
be removed from office, in such
manner and for such cause, as shall
be prescribed by law.
(b) A county sheriff only may be
involuntarily removed from office by
recall election pursuant to section 3
of article 4 of this constitution or a
writ of quo warranto initiated by the
attorney general.
From Bourbon County Counselor Justin Meeks,
“A yes vote would require counties to maintain a sheriff as an elected official,”
The Question of Legislative Oversight
The purpose of this amendment is
to provide the legislature with
oversight of state executive branch
agencies and officials by providing
the legislature authority to establish
procedures to revoke or suspend
rules and regulations.
A yes vote for this proposition would
allow the legislature to establish
procedures to revoke or suspend
rules and regulations that are
adopted by state executive branch
agencies and officials that have the
force and effect of law.
A no vote against this proposition
would allow state executive branch
agencies and officials to continue
adopting rules and regulations
that have the force and effect
of law without any opportunity
for the legislature to directly
revoke or suspend such rules and regulations.
Legislative oversight of administrative rules and
regulations.
Whenever the legislature by law has
authorized any officer or agency
within the executive branch of
government to adopt rules and
regulations that have the force and
effect of law, the legislature may
provide by law for the revocation
or suspension of any such rule and
regulation, or any portion thereof,
upon a vote of a majority of the
members then elected or appointed
and qualified in each house.
From Bourbon County Counselor Justin Meeks,
“This will basically allow the legislature to overturn regulations created by agencies, environmental agency for example,” Meeks said. “It would take away some of the governor’s administrative powers.”
Bo Co Democrats Meet Oct. 23 at Ellis Center
The Bourbon County Democrats will hold a social meeting on Sunday, Oct. 23rd from 2 – 4 p.m. in the Ellis Center on the Fort Scott Community College Campus.
Guests will be Lt. Governor David Toland and Candidate for Secretary of State Jeanna Repass.
Light refreshments will be served. The public is welcome!
Submitted by Carol MacArthur
Chair, Bourbon Co. Democrats
620 215 1505
Please like us on Facebook
Bo Co Dems Serve Breakfast at Farmers Market Sept. 24
The Bourbon County Democrats are serving biscuits and gravy at the Farmers Market this Saturday, September 24th from 8 – noon. Please come for a full helping, a half order, or just a biscuit and home made jelly!
For information, text 620 215 1505
Submitted by
Carol MacArthur
Chair, Bourbon Co. Democrats
620 215 1505
Please like us on Facebook
Bourbon County Dems Meet On Sept. 18
On Sunday September 18th, Bourbon County Democrats will hold their monthly meeting on the FSCC campus in the Heritage Room of the administration building. The meeting begins at 2:00 p.m. Featured guest will be Representative Jason Probst. Please join us!
Submitted by Carol MacArthur
Chair, Bourbon Co. Democrats
Nelson Blythe Selected to Fill District 1 Commissioner Position
A convention of the Bourbon County Republican party committee members was held on August 4 to decide who would fill Lynne Oharah’s Bourbon County Commissioner District 1 position.
To view a prior story on Oharah’s resignation:
After the rules of selection were explained, the Republican committee had two individuals who asked to be considered: Donald Coffman and Nelson Blythe.
“Each candidate was given three minutes to address our meeting, after this portion, the candidate and any of the public were asked to leave,” said Chairman Mark McCoy. “Much discussion took place amongst us. A motion was made to appoint Mr. Blythe by an acclamation motion, it was seconded, and all in attendance answered in the affirmative.”
The required state form was sent certified mail on Friday, August 5 to the governor’s office, McCoy said.
“In my experience, the governor will notify our county clerk within 10 days,” he said.
Nelson Blythe will start mid-August as the new commissioner.
Nelson Blythe
Nelson Blythe, 28, worked as a deputy for the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office for approximately four years. Since 2021, he has worked as a deputy for the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office.
The sheriff in Linn County is flexible in scheduling personnel, he said, and that will allow him to be present at the commission meetings, which typically meet at 9 a.m. on Tuesdays at the courthouse.
One thing that motivated him to run for the commissioner position was being involved in Bourbon County.
“When I went to Linn County, I didn’t like missing out on what is going in Bourbon County,” he said.
“I maintained good working relationships with most of the people who work in the court house, especially in the county attorney’s office,” according to a press release from Blythe. “I believe that my professional relationship with the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office will help smooth the sometimes rocky relationship with the commission.”
Additionally, Blythe said he is glad he will be “in a position to defend our rights from state and federal governance.”
“Local elected officials need to be willing to stand up to state and federal authorities that violate the Constitution,” he said. “This isn’t an extreme view. It is a methodical, constitutional, conservative, law-abiding, Christian mindset.”
Blythe has been married to Euna for six years.
He is the son of Bud and Lee Belle Blythe of rural Uniontown. He lives on part of the farm that has been handed down in his family for over 150 years. His grandparents were Kaley and Julia Blythe.
He is the youngest of Bud and Lee Belle’s five children and one of the three triplets. His older brother, Paden, works for the Fort Scott Police Department; his older sister, Katie Dyastra lives with her husband and three children in Fort Scott, and his sister, Hannah Stark and husband live in Fort Scott.
His identical twin brother, Kaley, is married to Kelsey and they have one child. He also lives on a part of the Blythe family farm.
Blythe earned a bachelors of science degree from Pittsburg State University in business administration.
Constitutional Amendment Question: Yes, in Bourbon County, but No Kansas Totals
Click below to view the unofficial primary election results submitted by Ashley Shelton, Bourbon County Clerk.
Most incumbents faired well in this election and the constitutional amendment proposed vote was Yes with 2, 335 votes and No-1,662 in Bourbon County. (See page 26 of the submitted documents)
UNOFFICIAL PRIMARY 2022 RESULTS
The state of Kansas election total results are different on this issue.
Kansans as a whole voted no on this constitutional amendment on abortion.
To view the Associated Press release:
https://apnews.com/article/2022-primary-elections-kansas-abortion-b6d62a852c2ce4617f2c03589fbb523e
Bo Co Dems Serve Breakfast at Farmers Market July 23
The Bourbon County Democrats will be serving breakfast and brunch at the Farmers Market on Saturday, July 23rd.
Please join them between 8 a.m. and noon for breakfast casserole, coffee cake, and fruit. Ham sliders will also be offered after ten!
Submitted by Carol MacArthur
Chair, Bourbon Co. Democrats
620 215 1505
Please like us on Facebook
Reading suggestion: They Want to Kill Americans by Malcolm Nance
History of White Supremacy and current state of it.
“Serving Bourbon County’s Registered Democrats”
Chamber to host Election Candidate Forum on July 25
Chamber to host Election Candidate Forum
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces an Election Candidate Forum will be held on Monday, July 25th at the Ellis Fine Arts Center located at 2108 S. Horton St. in Fort Scott. Doors will open for a Meet & Greet with the candidates at 5:30 p.m. and the forum will begin at 6:00 p.m.
Candidates from the following offices have been invited to participate in the Primary Election Forum: United States Senate, United States House of Representatives – 2nd District, Governor/Lt. Governor, Secretary of State, Attorney General, State Treasurer, Commissioner of Insurance, State Representative – 4th District, Member – State Board of Education – 9th District, County Commissioner – 1st District, County Clerk, and County Attorney.
Residents of the community are encouraged to submit questions for the candidates to the Chamber by Thursday, July 21st by 5:00 p.m. Questions may be emailed to [email protected], mailed to 231 E. Wall St., or dropped off in person. The forum will also be broadcast live on the Facebook page Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce. Candidates in these races are asked to RSVP to the Chamber by July 21st to confirm attendance.
Contact the Chamber for more information at 620-223-3566.
All Registered Kansas Voters Will Be Allowed to Vote on Abortion Regulation
Today, July 12, is the last day to register to vote or change party affiliation.
This year a constitutional amendment known as “Value Them Both” will be on the ballot during the Kansas primary election on August 2, 2022.
This year, the constitutional amendment will be on ALL ballots.
“There is a nonpartisan ballot that will be for everyone other than Democrat of Republican voters, with only the amendment question, so that everyone that is registered will have the opportunity to vote in the 2022 Primary election,” Bourbon County Clerk Ashley Shelton said.
Below is the proposed amendment to the Kansas Constitution that will be voted on in the August primary election, according to https://sos.ks.gov/elections/constitutional-amendment.html
Value Them Both Amendment will be on theState of Kansas Official Primary Election Ballot.
On August 2, 2022 the following question will be on the ballot for all registered voters.
Regulation of abortion.
Because Kansans value both women
and children, the constitution of the
state of Kansas does not require
government funding of abortion
and does not create or secure a
right to abortion. To the extent
permitted by the constitution of the
United States, the people, through
their elected state representatives
and state senators, may pass laws
regarding abortion, including, but
not limited to, laws that account
for circumstances of pregnancy
resulting from rape or incest, or
circumstances of necessity to save
the life of the mother.
Because Kansans value both women
and children, the constitution of the
state of Kansas does not require
government funding of abortion
and does not create or secure a
right to abortion. To the extent
permitted by the constitution of the
United States, the people, through
their elected state representatives
and state senators, may pass laws
regarding abortion, including, but
not limited to, laws that account
for circumstances of pregnancy
resulting from rape or incest, or
circumstances of necessity to save
the life of the mother.
Vote:
O Yes
O
O Yes
O
Explanatory statement.
The Value Them Both Amendment
would affirm there is no Kansas
constitutional right to abortion or
to require the government funding
of abortion, and would reserve
to the people of Kansas, through
their elected state legislators,
the right to pass laws to regulate
abortion, including, but not limited
to, in circumstances of pregnancy
resulting from rape or incest, or
when necessary to save the life of
the mother.A vote for the Value Them Both
Amendment would affirm there
is no Kansas constitutional right
to abortion or to require the
government funding of abortion,
and would reserve to the people of
Kansas, through their elected state
legislators, the right to pass laws to
regulate abortion.
would affirm there is no Kansas
constitutional right to abortion or
to require the government funding
of abortion, and would reserve
to the people of Kansas, through
their elected state legislators,
the right to pass laws to regulate
abortion, including, but not limited
to, in circumstances of pregnancy
resulting from rape or incest, or
when necessary to save the life of
the mother.A vote for the Value Them Both
Amendment would affirm there
is no Kansas constitutional right
to abortion or to require the
government funding of abortion,
and would reserve to the people of
Kansas, through their elected state
legislators, the right to pass laws to
regulate abortion.
A vote against the Value Them
Both Amendment would make no
changes to the constitution of the
state of Kansas, and could restrict
the people, through their elected
state legislators, from regulating
abortion by leaving in place
the recently recognized right to
abortion.
Kansas residents can check their voter registration status or register to vote through: https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/VoterView
Candidates for the 2022 Primary, from
Bourbon County Dems Summer Social is July 17
Bourbon County Democrats will hold their Summer Social on Sunday, July 17th, from 2 – 4 p.m., in the Buck Run Community Center’s Little Gym.
Provided will be cool refreshments, music by the Hemphills, drawings, and a silent auction.
Guest speakers will be Jeanna Repass, who is running for Kansas Secretary of State, and Reverend Mark Holland, who is running for the U.S. Senate.
Join them for an entertaining and informative afternoon. Anyone in the community is invited to join, as this is a social event.
Submitted by Carol MacArthur
Chair, Bourbon Co. Democrats
620 215 1505
Please like them on Facebook
Reading suggestion: They Want to Kill Americans by Malcolm Nance
History of White Supremacy and current state of it.
“Serving Bourbon County’s Registered Democrats”
AD: Nelson Blythe For Bourbon County Commissioner District 1
Hello Bourbon County residents, my name is Nelson Blythe and I am running for County Commissioner District 1 as a Republican. I am a lifelong resident of the area and am dedicated to this community. When considering who to vote for August 2, this is what you should know about me.
- First and foremost I’m a devout Christian. What I mean by that is I believe the Bible is the holy, inspired, infallible word of God. I believe that Jesus Christ is the son of God and he is King of the universe, and that reality has political ramifications. I would dare to say most people in Bourbon County would identify as Christian, and I think it’s important for people in government to act like they are.
- I’m very conservative in my politics. I believe the role of government is to promote the general welfare of the people, not by constant regulating and steering economy, but by removing barriers and allowing people the freedom to work and conduct business, which will in turn, help economic development. I understand that what this county needs is more industry so the tax burden is spread over more tax payers, rather than a smaller group bearing the brunt of it. I am a firm supporter of property rights and would work carefully to protect them against certain policies that may threaten them, such as zoning.
- I worked for the county for approximately four and a half years. I maintained good working relationships with most of the people who work in the court house, especially in the County Attorney’s Office. I believe that my professional relationship with the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office will help smooth the sometimes rocky relationship with the commission. The areas of county government that I am less familiar with, I have made efforts to learn. For example, meeting with public works personnel and taking a tour of public works.
4. I take my job, whatever it may be, extremely seriously. As a Sheriff’s Deputy in Bourbon County, I was relentless in pursuing methamphetamine related crimes and other criminal activity, while at the same time, honoring the fourth amendment of the U.S. Constitution. I did my best to treat all people with respect and to keep in mind the principle of innocent until proven guilty. That being said, I am not wishy washy, I do not cater to whining and complaining from people I have caught engaged in criminal activity. One of my main duties as a Sheriff’s Deputy is to detect and deter criminal activity, and to prepare solid cases for prosecution. If you are good at a job like that, there will be some people who do not like it and will try to slander you. I never apologize for being good at my job. I have taken that same mindset and work ethic to Linn County where I currently work as a Deputy. By the grace of God, if I were to be elected, I would take that work ethic to the Bourbon County Commission.
I would appreciate your vote August 2.
