Polls are open until 7 p.m. tonight; 20% early turnout in Ellis County

Residents wait in a line that extends out the door at the Hays American Legion just before 7 a.m. this morning.

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

The polls are open in Hays and across Kansas. Election Day 2016 is finally here.

The parking lot at the Hays American Legion, 1305 Canterbury, was nearly full just before 7 a.m. Tuesday morning with a line of voters extending down the hallway and out the door.

A lot of Ellis County residents cast their ballots early–20 percent–according to Ellis County Clerk/Election Officer Donna Maskus. Advance voting was available at the county clerk’s office in Hays until noon Monday. At 10:30 a.m., about 25 people were waiting in and just outside the office to vote at the Ellis Co. Administration Center, 718 Main.

Statewide, more than 468,000 Kansans voted early according to Secretary of State Kris Kobach. There are 1.8 million registered voters in Kansas. Kobach is predicting 1.3 Kansans will vote in the election for a 72 percent turnout.

Voters patiently wait in line for the polls to open at 7 a.m.

In Ellis County, Democrat incumbent Ann Pfeifer faces Republican challenger Lisa Schlegel in the race for Ellis Co. Treasurer. In Ellis, there are seven candidates vying for three open seats on the city council.

In the 111th House district which covers most of Ellis County, incumbent Republican Sue Boldra is being challenged by Democrat Eber Phelps. Both are Hays residents.

For a preview of the races Ellis County residents will vote in, check out this interview with Ellis County Clerk and Election Officer Donna Maskus.

Early voters at the Hays American Legion

The polls remain open in Ellis County until 7 p.m. Be sure to check back with Hays Post for local election results tonight.