Today, we’re publishing candidates’ responses to the following question:
The top issue for many Post readers remains candidates’ stances on the 2020 election, which former President Trump continues to claim without evidence was stolen from him. That has played out in Johnson County with a years-long and ultimately fruitless investigation by the current sheriff into local election procedures. Many of our readers express concern that that investigation has sown distrust in local elections. Do you believe President Biden won the 2020 election fair and square? Do you trust and have confidence in county and state election systems? If elected, would you support legislation that, in any way, would modify or place new restrictions on voting in Kansas?
Below are the answers the Post received from candidates on the issue:
District 24
Jarrod Ousley (Democratic, incumbent)
Yes, I believe the outcome of the 2020 election was legitimate. I know how important it is for Kansans to have confidence that their vote was counted as it was cast, and that’s why when I was first elected, one of the first bills I drafted and championed with Prof. Beth Clarkson, was an election audit act, that requires a canvas and audit of elections.
This audit process was passed in 2018, and 2020 was the first year this auditing process went into effect for federal races. You can watch this Secretary of State video on this auditing process here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&fbclid=IwY2xjawFzj3tleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHflV7NXC_z7zd_YGTQE1tz72p_NJp6LhUkVREPo2L2ukDYYImCaQtpbLuA_aem_PPp0qCriG1k4jL9QGHkNrw&v=nkRpGsh4SX4&feature=youtu.be
Dale Redick (Republican)
Did not provide the Post with a response.
