Election training required for June 30 election

By Everett Brazil, III

The Newkirk Herald Journal

NEWKIRK — The June 30 Primary Election is only weeks away, and the Kay County Election Board is gearing up for a large election event across the county, with school and municipal elections taking place in Newkirk, Kildare and Blackwell. To prepare for the elections, the Election Board is asking precinct officials to attend one of several training sessions during the next week.
The training is held every two years on even-numbered years, and is required for all precinct officials.

“The training is an update on any laws and regulations that have changed,” said Election Board Secretary Cheryl Howard.

Each session will be three and one-half hours, with class times at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. today, June 11, and also June 16 – 17.
“You just have to attend one of these classes,” Howard said. “If they are interested in coming to the precinct training, they can come by our office and we can get time a time and get them on the list.”

Elections being held in Kay County include Newkirk, Kildare and Blackwell.

Newkirk City Commission Seat One has three candidates vying for the position, including incumbent Joe Anderson, as well as Eliot Tucker and Ryan Smykil.

The Kildare Public School Board of Education Number Two seat is open, with Jason Wimer and Michael S. Smith both vying for the position.

The Blackwell Public School Board of Education has Seat Five open, with Tami Bickford and Phil James Green running for the position. Additionally, T.J. Greenfield and Glenn Cox are running for Blackwell Mayor, and there are three propositions for the City of Blackwell also on the ballot.

County offices contested include the Kay County Court Clerk, between incumbent Marilee Thornton and Natalie Scavezze.

On the state level, Sen. Roland Pederson (R-19) is running for re-election against David M. Mason. Harold D. Spradling and Todd Hiett are competing for Corporation Commissioner.

State Question 802 and Initiative Petition 419 will also be on the ballot. State Question 802 will expand Medicaid eligibility for adults.

Several candidates are vying for U.S. Senate. Jim Inhofe (R-OK) is currently holding the position, and is competing against Republicans Neil Mavis, John Tompkins and J.J. Stitt. On the Democratic ticket are Abby Broyles, Sheila Bilyeu, R.O. Joe Cassity, Jr. and Elysabeth Britt.

For more information, contact the Election Board at (580) 362-2130.