Voters are expected to be greeted by clear skies and seasonably cool weather for today’s Lawrence City Commission primary.

Three of the nine commission candidates will be culled in preparation for the April 3 general election.

There are several key issues on the horizon for the commission, including the potential for a new large retail development on the edge of the city, the fate of a proposed $30 million downtown library and whether the city should purchase the vacant Farmland Industries property to use as a business park.

Douglas County Clerk Jamie Shew encouraged people to go out and vote today.

“My soapbox has always been that the local elections are electing people who have more of a direct impact on your life than the national elections do,” Shew said.

The City Commission candidates are James Bush, Rob Chestnut, Jake Davis, Mike Dever, Sam Fields, Boog Highberger, Michael Limburg, Carey Maynard-Moody and David Schauner. Voters will cast ballots for three candidates.

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. today.

There is no primary for Lawrence school board. Voters will elect new school board members on April 3.

¢ The election is nonpartisan, so all registered voters are eligible. Check your registry online at www.douglas-county.com/clerk/vedivision.asp

¢ Voters can select up to three of the nine City Commission candidates. Six candidates will advance to the April 3 general election.

¢ Watch Sunflower Broadband Channel 6 tonight for live results.