Riley County election officials are expecting a big turnout for this November’s general election and county clerk Rich Vargo told county commissioners Monday morning his staff is ready for it.
“There is a rumor that there is an election going on this year,” Vargo deadpanned to the amusement of the commission.
Because this election is also a presidential election, Vargo said he expects high — if not record — turnouts on Nov. 8.
“There will be advanced voting at two sites this election,” he said. “The presidential election is the only election that we do have two advanced voting sites.”
Vargo praised the work of the county’s IT/GIS department and the information that is available on the county’s election website.
“Our election website has been one of the better websites for a number of years,” he said. “Kevin (Howser) and previous IT/GIS directors have done studies on the amount of traffic (the website gets) and the election is always at the top of the list as the amount of traffic Riley County gets through its website because of that information.
“Kevin and his staff have developed some specific applications. You can pull up the map and see all the polling places in Riley County, and you can see which one you’re supposed to go to. It has a picture of a building and a picture of the entrance you’re supposed to walk into if you’re new to the community.”
Vargo also advised voters to take advantage of viewing the sample ballot available through the county’s website before election day.
“On that sample ballot I think a lot of people will be surprised to see that the judges are on there this time, along with many county offices,” he said. “A lot of people going to election day are geared up for the presidential election, (but) there are many races on (the ballot).”
Vargo added that there will also be up to three questions on some ballots for voters to answer, which include a state constitutional amendment question on hunting rights and a question for Manhattan residents on sales tax regarding street improvements.
“I encourage people to read those in advance,” he said.
Vargo’s full presentation to commissioners can be heard below:
