photo by: Journal-World Photo Illustration

Lawrence Journal-World Editorial

Douglas County residents have a number of decisions to make during today’s party primaries. Here’s hoping that residents take their civic duty seriously and that turnout for today’s election sets records.

Normally, party primaries attract a fraction of the turnout that general elections do. That’s understandable as the primaries often don’t produce competitive races on both sides of the aisle. But today’s election is different, as there are competitive races up and down the ballot in both parties. In fact, it is the first primary in 24 years to have competitive races for governor in both the Republican and Democratic primaries.

The race for the Republican gubernatorial nomination is seen by many as a choice between incumbent Gov. Jeff Colyer, who inherited the job in January from former Gov. Sam Brownback, and Secretary of State Kris Kobach, who was endorsed Monday by President Donald Trump. But the Republican race also features Topeka physician Jim Barnett, Insurance Commissioner Ken Selzer, Patrick Kucera of Overland Park, Prairie Village high school student Tyler Ruzich, and Mission Hills high school student Joseph Tutera Jr.

On the Democratic side, five candidates are vying for the nomination — Sen. Laura Kelly, of Topeka; former Rep. and former Secretary of Agriculture Joshua Svaty, of Topeka; former Wichita Mayor Carl Brewer; Olathe physician Arden Andersen; and Wichita high school student Jack Bergeson.

Republicans also will select a candidate to face Democrat Paul Davis in the race for Kansas Congressional District 2, currently held by Republican Lynn Jenkins, who is not seeking re-election. Candidates include Topeka military veteran and engineer Steve Watkins; state Sen. Steve Fitzgerald, of Leavenworth; State Sen. Caryn Tyson, of Parker; State Sen. Dennis Pyle, of Hiawatha; state Rep. Kevin Jones, of Wellsville; former state Rep. Doug Mays, of Topeka, who was speaker of the House from 2003-2006; and Basehor City Councilman Vernon J. Fields.

Republicans also must choose a candidate to replace Kobach as secretary of state. Republicans on the ballot include Randy Duncan, of Salina; state Rep. Keith Esau, of Olathe; Craig McCullah, of Topeka, a former assistant secretary of state under Kobach; state Rep. Scott Schwab, of Olathe; and Dennis Taylor, of Topeka, who has worked in state government under several Republican administrations.

The winner of the secretary of state election will face Democrat Brian McClendon in the general election.

Republicans will choose between state Sen. Vicki Schmidt, of Topeka, and assistant Insurance Commissioner Clark Shultz to replace Selzer as state insurance commissioner. The winner will face Democrat Nathaniel McLaughlin in the general election.

In the state house, there are contested races in the Republican primaries for District 42 and District 45, and there are contested races in the Democratic primaries for District 45 and District 46.

In the race to replace Mike Gaughan as Douglas County Commissioner for District 1, Democrats will choose from a field of three candidates: Patrick Kelly, John Magnuson and Leslie Soden. No Republican filed for the commissioners seat.

Elections are central to American democracy. If you haven’t already cast a ballot, do your part by voting today. Polling places are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.