The November 4 Election in Ottawa County took on a special meaning this year, thanks to the participation of four students from the North Ottawa County School District — Ian Thomson, Madison Myers, Natalie Cole, and Aidan Hessman — all served as election workers for the Ottawa County Clerk’s Office.
Aidan Hessman worked a full day in the Delphos Precinct as a supervising judge. When asked about the learning experience, he reflected, “I didn’t know how detailed the process is before and after polls open and close, with setting up and keeping all of your tabulations with the receipts on the different precincts and the different ballots. I also didn’t know we had observers at the polls,” Hessman added. “I would recommend working the election because it allows you to see the process of our elections. It is a fun day because you get to meet so many people and see people you already know.” The student-workers started at 6:00 a.m. and wrapped up around 8:00 p.m., contributing a long but valuable day of service and learning.
(Pictured: Aidan Hessman brings in election supplies to the Ottawa County Courthouse)
The following are several closely watched results in the school board and county-wide measures:
Another election in the area being closely watched may have an impact on USD 239. Glasco/Miltonvale or USD 334 - Southern Cloud School District, which has some precincts in Ottawa County, voted on whether to close its school district. If voters in Southern Cloud School District vote in favor of the measure, USD 239 may see its borders extend north to Highway 24 and east to Bell Road or just west of Miltonvale—provided the five school boards of Beloit, Concordia, Minneapolis, Clifton-Clyde, and Clay Center vote to approve the measure-- along with the Kansas State Board of Education. The results are still not in.
Also, USD 239 BOE District 6 did not have a candidate, so there may be some write-in votes that determine who was elected. Mrs. Cox noted that “write-in votes would be handled by a write-in board meeting later this week, with results to be reported out at the canvas on Monday, November 10.”
County Clerk Tammi Cox noted, “It was great to see people getting out there and voting. We appreciate the election workers who helped us today.” When asked about several MJSHS High School Students who served as election workers, Mrs. Cox noted, “I appreciated having them involved in the process, not only as learners but also as workers. I look forward to having more in the future. It is an excellent opportunity to engage in authentic civic learning.” If you would like to get involved in the election process, please get in touch with the Ottawa County Clerk's Office by calling 785-392-2279.