The Beacon
The Beacon
Elections
5 min. read

How to research federal, state and local candidates on the Johnson County ballot Nov. 8

Johnson County Sheriff
A state statute makes it a felony to intentionally disclose ballot information from polling sites. Above, a voter casts a ballot during the Aug. 2 primary. File photo.

By Marco Schaden

For voters interested in researching candidates, here are the competitive federal, state and local races that will appear on ballots in Johnson County on Nov. 8, with links to each candidate’s campaign website (if one exists) and Ballotpedia page.

Which candidates will appear on your ballot depend on where you live. You can enter your address here to see which races will be on your Johnson County ballot.

Judicial and uncontested races are not listed on this page. Judicial races will be covered in upcoming stories. Kansans have until Oct. 18 to register to vote if they have not done so already.

Note: Incumbents in the position are marked with an asterisk (ex.: Will Smith*). Not all races have incumbents.

U.S. Senate

Each state is represented in Congress by two U.S. senators who serve six-year terms. One-third of all senators are up for reelection every two years. Senators take action on federal legislation, approve presidential nominations and ratify treaties. 

U.S. House (District 3)

Kansas is represented by four U.S. representatives who serve two-year terms. Members of the House pass laws, serve as a representative assembly and oversee the administration of public policy by holding hearings. 

Governor and lieutenant governor

The governor is the chief executive of state government, responsible for carrying out state laws and administering the state budget. Governors also have the power to enact or veto bills from the Legislature. The governor and lieutenant governor run as a team, elected every four years. 

Johnson County election workers with voters at the polls
Johnson County poll workers direct voters to voting machines during early voting for this summer’s primary. Photo credit Evan Johnson.

Secretary of State

Elected statewide and serving a four-year term, the secretary of state oversees administration of elections within the state, maintains records relating to business and commerce, and produces the official publications of the state of Kansas. 

Attorney General

Elected statewide and serving a four-year term, the attorney general is considered the state’s chief legal officer and top law enforcement official, representing and advising state agencies and boards, promoting open government, protecting consumers from fraud and defending the state in civil proceedings. 

State treasurer

Elected statewide and serving a four-year term, the state treasurer acts as the chief financial officer, overseeing all money paid to the state treasury. This includes managaining the state budget and payroll, managing a postsecondary education savings program and maintaining a list of unclaimed property.

State insurance commissioner

Elected statewide and serving a four-year term, the insurance commissioner regulates all insurance sold in Kansas and oversees insurance companies and agents licensed to do business in the state. State law requires the insurance commissioner to be well-versed in the insurance business but not have any financial interests in any insurance company.

Kansas legislature 2021
Every Kansas state representative district is on the ballot this year, as they are every two years. File photo.

State representatives

The Kansas House of Representatives comprises 125 state lawmakers from districts of roughly equal population. Representatives are elected by voters in their own districts for two-year terms. House lawmakers create, amend or repeal state laws; appropriate money spent by the state government; review state regulations; propose amendments to the Kansas Constitution; and approve or disapprove any new amendments to the U.S. Constitution. 

District 8

District 14

District 15

District 16

District 17

District 18

District 19

District 20

District 22

District 26

District 27

District 28

District 29

District 30

District 39

District 43

District 48

District 49

District 78

District 117

District 121

State Board of Education

The Kansas State Board of Education consists of 10 elected members, each representing a district comprising  four contiguous senatorial districts. Board members serve four-year terms with an overlapping schedule.The state board appoints a commissioner of education who serves as its executive director.

District 3

Johnson County Commission

The Johnson County Commission is the main governing body for the county. Commissioners oversee county finances, including the levying of taxes and the annual budget, issuance of bonds and awarding of contracts. They also oversee zoning, maintenance of county roads and bridges, the county jail and district court and act as the local board of health.

Commission chairperson

District 1

District 4

District 5

Before you go...

Thanks for reading! If you value having an independent news outlet keeping tabs on local government, schools and taxes, we're asking you to contribute to our Education Reporting Fund.

Report for America pays for half of our K-12 beat reporter's salary. Donations from readers like you cover the other half.

Gifts of any size are greatly appreciated. And all donations are tax deductible.

Support Education Funding

About the author

The Beacon
The Beacon

This article originally appeared in The Kansas City Beacon.

Previous article
Your daily planner: Tuesday, Oct. 11
Next article
Your Mortgage: Rate romance

LATEST HEADLINES