HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Advance voting in Reno County is off to a strong start ahead of the Nov. 3 general election, with nearly 3,000 residents casting ballots in person through Thursday, Oct. 22, according to Reno County Clerk Jenna Fager.
Fager said Friday that 2,950 voters had participated in advance voting as of Thursday, with daily turnout significantly higher than what the county typically experiences during early voting.
"We have had a really good turnout for our early voting so far," Fager said. "We've even had 566 people on Wednesday, so that's incredible. We're seeing a huge uptick in our early voting."
Fager said the county typically sees between 250 and 300 advance voters per day, but this election has produced consistently higher numbers.
"Really, we've been like the slowest day has been 310 people," Fager said.
Although in-person advance voting has increased, Fager said the county has not mailed as many advance ballots this election.
With the general election approaching, voters still have several opportunities to cast their ballots before Election Day.
The deadline to request an advance ballot by mail is Tuesday, Oct. 27. Applications are available through the Reno County Clerk's Office or online at RenoCountyKS.gov.
Advance voting continues at the Reno County Annex, 125 W. First Ave. in Hutchinson. The annex will remain open until 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28, and will offer Saturday voting from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 31.
In-person advance voting concludes at noon Monday, Nov. 2.
"All early voting that we have open is at the annex at this point," Fager said.
Several contested local races and special ballot questions will be decided in Reno County.
In the Kansas House District 102 race, Republican incumbent Kyler Sweely faces Democrat Jason Probst. In District 104, Democrat Lynnette Krieger-Zook faces Republican Randy Parks.
Other legislative races affecting Reno County include District 101, where Democrat Mary Ann Harmon faces Republican Kevin O'Brien, and District 114, where Democrat Alan Albers faces Republican Kevin Schwertfeger.
At the county level, voters in Reno County Commission District 1 will choose between Democrat Carol Moore and Republican Mike Sullivan. Republican incumbents Richard Winger in District 4 and Don Bogner in District 5 are running unopposed.
Voters in Hutchinson USD 308 will consider a $36 million bond proposal to finance improvements and renovations to district facilities. Proposed projects include heating and air conditioning systems, roofs, safety and security upgrades, storm shelters, restrooms and playground improvements.
In Nickerson, voters will decide whether to extend the city's existing 1% sales tax for another five years, beginning April 1, 2027, and ending March 31, 2032. Revenue would be used for park improvements, street maintenance, sewer line repairs, sidewalks, city beautification, tornado siren upgrades and property tax relief.
Residents of the city of The Highlands will vote on a proposal to issue up to $500,000 in general obligation bonds for street improvements. The proposed project includes East Snokomo Road, West Snokomo Road, Crazy Horse Road and Northlinks Drive.
Fager reminded residents that ballots are two-sided and that the special questions will only appear for voters residing in the affected districts.
"The ballot is pretty long. It's on both two sides, so front and back," Fager said.
Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3. Voters can find their assigned polling locations and additional election information through the Reno County Clerk's Office.
The deadline to register to vote in the general election was Oct. 13.