As we approach Election Day, I want to take a second to remind Howard County voters about a few things:

1) This is a “Party” primary election. You must choose a party to participate. Your choices are

Democratic, Republican, or Libertarian parties, or Non-Partisan. This election is to “nominate” the party candidate to advance to the November General Election. The presidential candidates DO NOT appear on this ballot.

2) You cannot wear or bring candidate campaign materials into polling places or within 25 feet of the exterior door. We love that you are passionate about your candidates, but please don’t break the law by wearing your hat, t-shirt, etc. into the poll. (That means you cannot discuss your favorite politician while in the poll either. Not with people in line, not with yourself or with the poll workers.)

3) After you check in and sign the poll register, you can point to the name of the party ballot you wish to vote so that the judges can hand you the correct one. Depending on which ballot you choose, you might have a specific race on your party ballot or not. Please, please look over the sample ballots before you make your choice to ensure your candidate is on the ballot you choose!

We DO NOT keep track of which party ballot you choose. You can pick any party ballot style you would like at the poll. Your ballot style will only include the candidates that filed under that party. You do not get to vote on everyone. The SAMPLE BALLOT on the website (and Page 4 of this newspaper) is showing all candidates, but it is divided by party. You will only vote on the party you choose.

Anyone with questions is encouraged to call the Howard County Clerk’s office at (660) 248-2284.

Shelly Howell

Howard County Clerk