By Sophia Misle

As the primary election on Aug. 6 approaches, Johnson County voters should mark June 3 on their calendars – the deadline for changing party affiliation.

The two major political parties in Kansas, the Republican and Democratic parties, will typically restrict their party nominating elections to registered voters who are affiliated with their respective parties.

The upcoming primary election will serve as the nominating process for the Republican and Democratic parties, determining these parties’ candidates for partisan contests in the Nov. 5 general election.

Republican and Democratic precinct committee positions will also be on the Aug. 6 primary election ballot.

Voters wanting to change their party af filiation must submit a new voter registration application at jocoelection.org/registration before noon on June 3. Unaffiliated registered voters can affiliate with a political party at any time before or after June 3, including at a polling location on Election Day.

All voters are encouraged to visit jocoelection.org/VoterView to ensure their voter registration information is accurate and, if necessary, submit a new voter registration application.

For more information, call the Johnson County Election Office at 913-715-6800.

Election workers needed

The Johnson County Election Office is actively seeking dedicated individuals to serve as election workers for the upcoming August Primary Election.

Election workers play a crucial role in supporting our democracy by assisting voters at polling sites and fulfilling essential duties at the election office.

“Voting is the very foundation of our democracy , and it’s our civic duty to contribute to the democratic process,” said Nancy Kukay, a seasoned election worker.

Judi Farmer agreed.

“I have been an election worker for many years, and I really enjoy helping people vote,” she said.

Approximately 2,000 election workers are needed for this upcoming election. Election workers will receive a $150 stipend for Election Day support and a $25 stipend for training.

Individuals wanting to be election workers must be residents of Johnson County, registered to vote at their current address, complete mandatory training and be available for the entire Election Day.

“Elections would not be able to happen without the dedication and support of election workers,” Johnson County Election Commissioner Fred Sherman said.

The Aug. 6 primary election will feature state and local offices on the ballot, including Kansas Senate, Kansas House of Representatives, Johnson County District Attorney, the State Board of Education and Johnson County Sheriff.

Those interested in becoming an election worker can apply online at tinyurl.com/applyjocoelc or call the election worker line at 913-715-6836 for more information.

Sophia Misle is the election communications coordinator at the Johnson County Election Office.