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With election season in full swing I'm sure you've noticed the political signs "blooming" around our great city. Love them, or hate them...these signs serve a big purpose to familiarize you with the names of the candidates you'll see on the ballot in the coming elections. A study (Green, D., 2015) out of Columbia University, found that political signs can in fact make a difference — "somewhere between 1 and 2 percentage points on average," Green says. "Hardly earth shattering, but not nothing, either." In tight races, the difference could decide the election.
In Olathe, there are TWO elections this fall, the primary and general election:
August 1, 2023 City/School Primary Election Offices on the ballot:
Olathe Council At-Large
Olathe Council Ward 1
USD 233 Olathe School District Position 7 At Large
For candidate information click here
For information on Advance Voting options click here
For information on Election Day Voting click here
November 7, 2023 General Election City/School Board Members
Offices on the ballot:
Olathe - Mayor - 4 Year Term, 1 Council Member At-Large - 4 Year Term, Council Members Wards 1, 2 - 4 Year Term
USD 233 Olathe Board Members - Positions 1, 2, 4 & 7 At-Large - 4 Year Term
For candidate information click here
For information on Advance Voting options click here
For information on Election Day Voting click here
So where are my signs?
I've chosen to not put my signs up yet for two reasons: I don't want to confuse voters, and voter fatigue is very real. Confusion...the mayoral election doesn't have a primary, so you will not see the mayoral candidate's names on the August 1st ballot, yet you've seen mayoral candidate signs up for weeks now. This can be confusing to voters. Our general election is on November 7th and that is the ballot where you'll see our names. Typically only candidates with a primary would have their signs up at this time. I've chosen to give the candidates with a primary the bandwidth these past few weeks to get their messaging out to voters. Additionally, voter fatigue is very real...I don't want to risk you getting sick of seeing my name all over the place. Over the next few days you'll see a few of my large signs pop up around town...after all, signs can make a difference in a tight election and I won't leave any stone left unturned. Just know that I'm putting them up with great hesitation, and only in response to my opponent placing his signs up so early in the election season.
I look forward to earning your vote for Mayor of Olathe, early by mail or in-person, or on November 7th! Thanks for taking the time to read! BTW, this is what my signs look like (below)... watch for them to show up 45 days before the general election all over town. For now, they'll just be peppered around here and there so you'll be familiar with my name for the general election.
