Douglas County had about 18,500 eligible voters for the coming election, and it appeared many of them would cast ballots for the off-year voting. The local area did not normally have good off-year turnouts, but officials said this year might be an exception with the percentage rising above the normal 30 percent or so.

Several Lawrence school board officials said they were uneasy with a policy the board had passed on first reading. The plan, due for revision before final approval, would allow state authorities to interview students at schools here about suspected child abuse. Most board members were worried about a potential harassment element if local people did not have firmer control than the new policy would seem to allow.