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 9
Norman Mallicoat (Democratic)
There is absolutely no evidence that Kansas elections are anything but fair and honest. This is not just me, the Democrat candidate saying this but also the Republican Kansas Secretary of State.
Sheriff Calvin Hayden’s so-called investigation into voting irregularities was nothing more than a years-long campaign stunt.I do believe that President Biden won the 2020 election and that President Trump and other MAGA Republicans have planted this narrative in the minds of the electorate that if Republicans don’t win an election it must be fraudulent.
The only change I would make to Kansas voting regulations would be to make early in person voting and mail-in voting earlier. If you have lived in Kansas any significant time at all you will soon find out there are very few truly persuadable voters that need further time and study of issues. I would say over half of Kansas votes know how they would vote by October 1st.
Beverly Gossage (Republican, incumbent)
Biden won the election. In Kansas, we are blessed with fair and secure elections, in large part to our strong voter ID law that’s in place. We also passed other common-sense measures to ensure our election laws are consistent and fair to all, and those were signed into law.
I love the early in-person voting being expanded, especially in Johnson County where there are so many sites now. I favor this approach as we move forward.
