Lawrence Officials Encourage Students to Turn Out for Local Elections

Local elections are Nov. 4 in Lawrence, and officials hope to see more residents, especially students, make their voices heard at the polls.

This year’s ballot includes two Lawrence City Commission seats and three school board positions that will shape policies on housing, transportation and local education.

“This election will have a lower turnout than a presidential election, but it’s just as important,” Douglas County Clerk Jamie Shew said. “The people who serve on the Lawrence City Commission impact your daily life probably more than the President does.”

Advance in-person voting began Oct. 15 and runs through Nov. 3, with locations including the Douglas County Courthouse and the Kansas Union on University of Kansas’s campus.

KU student Maya Wondowlowski said convenience makes it easier for students to get involved.

“I’m registered here in Lawrence, so it’s easy for me to vote between classes,” she said. “I think a lot of students don’t realize how simple it is to make their voice heard.”

Shew added that turnout among young voters is typically much lower in local races.

“Especially 18 to 24-year-olds, in a presidential election we might get around 50% turnout, but for this election we might see 8%,” he said. “If you want your voice heard, you’ve got to show up for every election.”

Officials hope early participation and student engagement will boost turnout across Lawrence.