Douglas County voters decide City Commission and School Board races

Emma Coffey | @em_coffey

Lawrence voters headed to the polls on November 5 for the general election, deciding five key local positions. The Lawrence City Commission had a total of two open seats, while the Lawrence School board had three. A total of 11 candidates ran between both groups.

According to County Clerk Jamie Shew, local elections like these have a major impact on residents’ daily lives. 

“For this election it is very important just because those two races are so important for everybody’s, you know, everyday life,” Shew said.

After the Aug. 5 primary, four candidates advanced in the race for City Commission – including the incumbent Bart Littlejohn. For the school board, seven candidates competed for just three open seats.

In the early hours after voting closed on Tuesday night, incumbent Kelly Jones managed to secure a comfortable second-place position.

“I’m optimistic, but not quite ready to call it in,” Jones said.

After a twelve-hour day of voting, Mike Courtney and Kristine Polian emerged to secure their seats on the City Commission. And on the school board side, Shannon Kimball and Kelly Jones reclaimed their positions, while Matt Lancaster currently has control of the third seat- but he is separated from incumbent Bob Byers by just 33 votes.

In total, more than 18,000 total ballots were cast across nearly 100 precincts. Election results are expected to be finalized by Monday, Nov. 17, meaning the final outcome for that last school board seat is still up in the air.