DENVER (AP) — A vote to decide whether Colorado will become the second state, <a href="https://apnews.com/article/marijuana-oregon-elections-a7bf2c4477ca38a31bd140848c023061">after Oregon</a>, to create a legalized system for the use of psychedelic mushrooms was too early to call Tuesday.

The
 ballot initiative would decriminalize psychedelic mushrooms for those 
21 and older and create state-regulated “healing centers” where 
participants can experience the drug under the supervision of a licensed
 “facilitator.” The measure would establish a regulated system for using
 substances like psilocybin and psilocin, the hallucinogenic chemicals 
found in some mushrooms. It also would allow private personal use of the
 drugs.

If passed, the initiative would take effect toward the end
 of 2024. It also would permit a state advisory board to add other 
plant-based psychedelic drugs to the program in 2026. Those include 
dimethyltryptamine, also known as DMT, ibogaine and mescaline not 
derived from peyote, which is considered sacred by some Native 
Americans.

Proponents argued that Colorado’s current approach to 
mental health has failed and that naturally occurring psychedelics, 
which have been used for hundreds of years, can treat depression, PTSD, 
anxiety, addiction and other conditions. They also said jailing people 
for the nonviolent offense of using naturally occurring substances costs
 taxpayers money.

But critics noted the Food and Drug 
Administration has not approved the substances as medicine. They also 
argued allowing healing centers to operate and permitting personal use 
would jeopardize public safety and send the wrong message to kids and 
adults alike that the substances are healthy.

The move comes a 
decade after Colorado voted to legalize recreational marijuana after 
initially allowing its use for medical reasons, which led to a 
multibillion-dollar industry with hundreds of dispensaries popping up 
across the state. Critics of the latest ballot initiative say the same 
deep-pocketed players who were involved in legalizing recreational 
marijuana are using a similar playbook to create a commercial market, 
and eventually recreational dispensaries, for dangerous substances.

Voter
 James Hampl said Tuesday he worries that legalizing the medical use of 
mushrooms would also open the door to legalizing their recreational use 
and cause more drug addiction.

“I don’t think we need more psychos running around the street,” he said. “I need to worry about my family.”

But
 Laura Owsly, 28, who works in the tourism industry, said she supported 
the measure because she is hopeful psychedelic mushrooms could help 
people struggling with PTSD.

Allowing their medical would be an 
important step in researching the efficacy of mushrooms, Owsly said. She
 was was not concerned it would lead to an increase in addiction.

“It didn’t happen with marijuana, and it’s not going to happen with hallucinogens,” she said.

Under
 the measure, the psychedelics that would be decriminalized are listed 
as schedule 1 controlled substances under state and federal law and are 
defined as drugs with no currently accepted medical use with a high 
potential for abuse.

Even so, the FDA has designated psilocybin a 
“breakthrough therapy” to treat major depressive disorder. The 
designation can expedite research, development and review of a drug if 
it might offer substantial improvements over existing treatments.

Colorado’s
 ballot initiative would allow those 21 and older to grow, possess and 
share the psychedelic substances but not sell them for personal use. It 
also would allow people who have been convicted of offenses involving 
the substances to have their criminal records sealed.

In 2020, 
Oregon became the first state in the nation to legalize the therapeutic,
 supervised use of psilocybin after 56% of voters approved Ballot 
Measure 109. But unlike the Colorado measure, Oregon allows counties to 
opt out of the program if their constituents vote to do so.

Oregon’s initiative is expected to take effect at the beginning of next year.

Washington,
 D.C., and Denver have partially decriminalized psychedelic mushrooms by
 requiring law enforcement officers to treat them as their lowest 
priority.

DENVER (AP) — A vote to decide whether Colorado will become the second state, <a href="https://apnews.com/article/marijuana-oregon-elections-a7bf2c4477ca38a31bd140848c023061">after Oregon</a>, to create a legalized system for the use of psychedelic mushrooms was too early to call Tuesday.The
 ballot initiative would decriminalize psychedelic mushrooms for those 
21 and older and create state-regulated “healing centers” where 
participants can experience the drug under the supervision of a licensed
 “facilitator.” The measure would establish a regulated system for using
 substances like psilocybin and psilocin, the hallucinogenic chemicals 
found in some mushrooms. It also would allow private personal use of the
 drugs.If passed, the initiative would take effect toward the end
 of 2024. It also would permit a state advisory board to add other 
plant-based psychedelic drugs to the program in 2026. Those include 
dimethyltryptamine, also known as DMT, ibogaine and mescaline not 
derived from peyote, which is considered sacred by some Native 
Americans.Proponents argued that Colorado’s current approach to 
mental health has failed and that naturally occurring psychedelics, 
which have been used for hundreds of years, can treat depression, PTSD, 
anxiety, addiction and other conditions. They also said jailing people 
for the nonviolent offense of using naturally occurring substances costs
 taxpayers money.But critics noted the Food and Drug 
Administration has not approved the substances as medicine. They also 
argued allowing healing centers to operate and permitting personal use 
would jeopardize public safety and send the wrong message to kids and 
adults alike that the substances are healthy.The move comes a 
decade after Colorado voted to legalize recreational marijuana after 
initially allowing its use for medical reasons, which led to a 
multibillion-dollar industry with hundreds of dispensaries popping up 
across the state. Critics of the latest ballot initiative say the same 
deep-pocketed players who were involved in legalizing recreational 
marijuana are using a similar playbook to create a commercial market, 
and eventually recreational dispensaries, for dangerous substances.Voter
 James Hampl said Tuesday he worries that legalizing the medical use of 
mushrooms would also open the door to legalizing their recreational use 
and cause more drug addiction.“I don’t think we need more psychos running around the street,” he said. “I need to worry about my family.”But
 Laura Owsly, 28, who works in the tourism industry, said she supported 
the measure because she is hopeful psychedelic mushrooms could help 
people struggling with PTSD.Allowing their medical would be an 
important step in researching the efficacy of mushrooms, Owsly said. She
 was was not concerned it would lead to an increase in addiction.“It didn’t happen with marijuana, and it’s not going to happen with hallucinogens,” she said.Under
 the measure, the psychedelics that would be decriminalized are listed 
as schedule 1 controlled substances under state and federal law and are 
defined as drugs with no currently accepted medical use with a high 
potential for abuse.Even so, the FDA has designated psilocybin a 
“breakthrough therapy” to treat major depressive disorder. The 
designation can expedite research, development and review of a drug if 
it might offer substantial improvements over existing treatments.Colorado’s
 ballot initiative would allow those 21 and older to grow, possess and 
share the psychedelic substances but not sell them for personal use. It 
also would allow people who have been convicted of offenses involving 
the substances to have their criminal records sealed.In 2020, 
Oregon became the first state in the nation to legalize the therapeutic,
 supervised use of psilocybin after 56% of voters approved Ballot 
Measure 109. But unlike the Colorado measure, Oregon allows counties to 
opt out of the program if their constituents vote to do so.Oregon’s initiative is expected to take effect at the beginning of next year.Washington,
 D.C., and Denver have partially decriminalized psychedelic mushrooms by
 requiring law enforcement officers to treat them as their lowest 
priority.

'Magic mushrooms' vote too early to call in Colorado

WASHINGTON (AP) —Former President Donald Trump and some other Republicans are twisting minor voting problems in <a href="https://apnews.com/hub/2022-midterm-elections?utm_source=apnewsnav&amp;utm_medium=featured">U.S. midterm elections</a>
 into conspiracy theories and false claims to sow doubt about Democratic
 victories, continuing efforts since 2020 to undermine Americans’ 
confidence in voting.

Election Day unfolded without major or 
widespread voting snags, yet some GOP candidates sought to distort the 
severity of the few hitches that occurred, such as voting <a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-donald-trump-arizona-4e15278b82452878d6f6aa45b2984579">machines temporarily malfunctioning in Arizona’s largest county</a> and some Detroit voters wrongly being told they had already cast ballots.

“The
 most concerning thing is the way those isolated incidents are being 
used to spread mis- and disinformation and lies around the election in 
an attempt to undermine people’s confidence and faith in the election,” 
said Sylvia Albert, director of voting and elections for the nonpartisan
 group Common Cause.

In 2020, conspiracies about a rigged election
 were fueled by bogus reports of suitcases stuffed with fraudulent 
ballots at a Georgia vote-counting operation and ‘’ballot mules’’ 
loading up drop boxes with fraudulent ballots.

The GOP has kept up the rhetoric since then and laid the groundwork for contesting this year's midterm elections. <a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-lawsuits-donald-trump-race-and-ethnicity-b5bbd44a2fe3ade45a1f6cf2a59c0639">More than 100 lawsuits were filed</a>
 across the country before Election Day, targeting mail-in voting rules,
 voting machine security and access for partisan poll watchers.

After
 Trump lost Arizona to President Joe Biden by just over 10,000 votes, he
 and his supporters peddled a string of allegations about election 
wrongdoing that crumbled under scrutiny.

Two years later, the state remains pivotal. <a href="https://apnews.com/article/arizona-governor-race-2022-midterm-elections-274fa547d321f88762954f8f8806c88d">Democrats held narrow leads early Wednesday</a> in too-close-to-call races for governor and U.S. Senate.

Trump
 and some of his supporters sought to amplify problems with 
vote-tabulation equipment in roughly 25% of polling places in Maricopa 
County, home to Phoenix and the majority of the state’s population.

Codes
 on ballots that were printed too lightly to be be read by tabulating 
scanners caused the confusion. Impacted voters were given a choice: 
Leave their ballots in a locked box at their polling place to be counted
 at a central office on Wednesday, or take them to another voting center
 on Tuesday.

Trump seized on the problem in a message on his 
social network. He said the problem, which appeared similar to a voting 
issue in New Jersey’s Mercer County, was an effort by Democrats to 
“steal the election.”

“Every national election you have problems 
like these somewhere,” said Lawrence Norden, senior director of the 
Elections and Government Program at the Brennan Center for Justice. “The
 fact that we’re talking about them the next day speaks to the fact that
 there was an organized effort to weaponize these types of things.”

The
 Republican official overseeing the election in Maricopa County 
apologized for the inconvenience and pledged that every legal vote would
 be counted no matter which method voters chose.

But Kari Lake, 
the Republican candidate for governor, told her supporters that they 
should leave the ballot to be counted later only if they couldn’t wait —
 and that they should not take it to another polling place.

In a late-night speech to supporters, Lake focused entirely on election issues.

“The
 system we have right now does not work,” she said. “We the people 
deserve to know on election night the winner and the loser and we will 
bring that kind of election back to Arizona. I assure you of that.”

Election
 critics also focused on a glitch in Detroit. Some electronic poll books
 used for signing in voters displayed an error message stating that 
numbers on ballots already had been assigned to an absentee ballot. Poll
 workers were able to use paper backup poll books when the electronic 
ones had problems.

Detroit is a Democratic stronghold in a swing state, so turnout there can be key in election outcomes. On Tuesday, <a href="https://apnews.com/article/michigan-governor-race-2022-midterm-elections-a91578081bc2141151efdf74bb4b3ccb">Democrat Gretchen Whitmer was re-elected</a> as governor. Democrats also won races for attorney general and secretary of state, defeating <a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-voting-donald-trump-0ee9afeb304662dcec28e8af0f18bc1d">Republicans who questioned the 2020 election results</a>.

“It
 was identified and resolved quite quickly” and voters who were wrongly 
flagged were given ballots, said Jake Rollow, a spokesman for the 
Michigan Secretary of State office.

But that didn’t keep Trump from urging his supporters to protest in Detroit — actions that did not materialize on Tuesday.

“We
 have seen misinformation spread about nuances and complexity of 
elections for more than two years,” Rollow said. “It continues to be a 
threat to our democracy, a threat to voters’ faith in our elections and 
really just an unfortunate part of the current political era.”

WASHINGTON (AP) —Former President Donald Trump and some other Republicans are twisting minor voting problems in <a href="https://apnews.com/hub/2022-midterm-elections?utm_source=apnewsnav&amp;utm_medium=featured">U.S. midterm elections</a>
 into conspiracy theories and false claims to sow doubt about Democratic
 victories, continuing efforts since 2020 to undermine Americans’ 
confidence in voting.Election Day unfolded without major or 
widespread voting snags, yet some GOP candidates sought to distort the 
severity of the few hitches that occurred, such as voting <a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-donald-trump-arizona-4e15278b82452878d6f6aa45b2984579">machines temporarily malfunctioning in Arizona’s largest county</a> and some Detroit voters wrongly being told they had already cast ballots.“The
 most concerning thing is the way those isolated incidents are being 
used to spread mis- and disinformation and lies around the election in 
an attempt to undermine people’s confidence and faith in the election,” 
said Sylvia Albert, director of voting and elections for the nonpartisan
 group Common Cause.In 2020, conspiracies about a rigged election
 were fueled by bogus reports of suitcases stuffed with fraudulent 
ballots at a Georgia vote-counting operation and ‘’ballot mules’’ 
loading up drop boxes with fraudulent ballots.The GOP has kept up the rhetoric since then and laid the groundwork for contesting this year's midterm elections. <a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-lawsuits-donald-trump-race-and-ethnicity-b5bbd44a2fe3ade45a1f6cf2a59c0639">More than 100 lawsuits were filed</a>
 across the country before Election Day, targeting mail-in voting rules,
 voting machine security and access for partisan poll watchers.After
 Trump lost Arizona to President Joe Biden by just over 10,000 votes, he
 and his supporters peddled a string of allegations about election 
wrongdoing that crumbled under scrutiny.Two years later, the state remains pivotal. <a href="https://apnews.com/article/arizona-governor-race-2022-midterm-elections-274fa547d321f88762954f8f8806c88d">Democrats held narrow leads early Wednesday</a> in too-close-to-call races for governor and U.S. Senate.Trump
 and some of his supporters sought to amplify problems with 
vote-tabulation equipment in roughly 25% of polling places in Maricopa 
County, home to Phoenix and the majority of the state’s population.Codes
 on ballots that were printed too lightly to be be read by tabulating 
scanners caused the confusion. Impacted voters were given a choice: 
Leave their ballots in a locked box at their polling place to be counted
 at a central office on Wednesday, or take them to another voting center
 on Tuesday.Trump seized on the problem in a message on his 
social network. He said the problem, which appeared similar to a voting 
issue in New Jersey’s Mercer County, was an effort by Democrats to 
“steal the election.”“Every national election you have problems 
like these somewhere,” said Lawrence Norden, senior director of the 
Elections and Government Program at the Brennan Center for Justice. “The
 fact that we’re talking about them the next day speaks to the fact that
 there was an organized effort to weaponize these types of things.”The
 Republican official overseeing the election in Maricopa County 
apologized for the inconvenience and pledged that every legal vote would
 be counted no matter which method voters chose.But Kari Lake, 
the Republican candidate for governor, told her supporters that they 
should leave the ballot to be counted later only if they couldn’t wait —
 and that they should not take it to another polling place.In a late-night speech to supporters, Lake focused entirely on election issues.“The
 system we have right now does not work,” she said. “We the people 
deserve to know on election night the winner and the loser and we will 
bring that kind of election back to Arizona. I assure you of that.”Election
 critics also focused on a glitch in Detroit. Some electronic poll books
 used for signing in voters displayed an error message stating that 
numbers on ballots already had been assigned to an absentee ballot. Poll
 workers were able to use paper backup poll books when the electronic 
ones had problems.Detroit is a Democratic stronghold in a swing state, so turnout there can be key in election outcomes. On Tuesday, <a href="https://apnews.com/article/michigan-governor-race-2022-midterm-elections-a91578081bc2141151efdf74bb4b3ccb">Democrat Gretchen Whitmer was re-elected</a> as governor. Democrats also won races for attorney general and secretary of state, defeating <a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-voting-donald-trump-0ee9afeb304662dcec28e8af0f18bc1d">Republicans who questioned the 2020 election results</a>.“It
 was identified and resolved quite quickly” and voters who were wrongly 
flagged were given ballots, said Jake Rollow, a spokesman for the 
Michigan Secretary of State office.But that didn’t keep Trump from urging his supporters to protest in Detroit — actions that did not materialize on Tuesday.“We
 have seen misinformation spread about nuances and complexity of 
elections for more than two years,” Rollow said. “It continues to be a 
threat to our democracy, a threat to voters’ faith in our elections and 
really just an unfortunate part of the current political era.”

Minor poll problems twisted into false US election claims

Voters across the nation came out in force — on Election Day and in advance voting — to fuel the results of the highly contested 2022 midterm elections.

In the 111th District race in the Kansas Legislature, incumbent state Rep. Barb Wasinger, R- Hays, came out well on top of challenger Ed Hammond, D-Hays, by a 4,983 to 3,234 vote margin.

It was the only contested race decided in Ellis County, where the majority of the seats were decided in the August primary.

Results are unofficial until canvassed by the Ellis County Commission.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667956877748.png" alt="Voters at Hays Recreation Center on Tuesday. Photo by Becky Kiser / Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Voters at Hays Recreation Center on Tuesday. Photo by Becky Kiser / Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays PostVoters across the nation came out in force — on Election Day and in advance voting — to fuel the results of the highly contested 2022 midterm elections.In the 111th District race in the Kansas Legislature, incumbent state Rep. Barb Wasinger, R- Hays, came out well on top of challenger Ed Hammond, D-Hays, by a 4,983 to 3,234 vote margin.It was the only contested race decided in Ellis County, where the majority of the seats were decided in the August primary.Results are unofficial until canvassed by the Ellis County Commission.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667961461851.png" alt="Nathan Leiker, who ran unopposed in the 2022 general election for a seat on the Ellis County Commission, checks out results Tuesday. Photo by Beck Kiser / Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Nathan Leiker, who ran unopposed in the 2022 general election for a seat on the Ellis County Commission, checks out results Tuesday. Photo by Beck Kiser / Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>

Election 2022: Wasinger runs away with 111th House seat over Hammond

Click HERE for final unofficial results from Election Day.

After early votes and&nbsp; advance mail ballots came in, the race for the 111th District of the Kansas House were close, withe the incumbent leading the way.

Rep. Barb Wasinger, R-Hays, garnered 1,462 of the early and mail ballots, with challenger Ed Hammond, D- Hays, receiving 1,302.

There were three write-in votes among the early and mail ballots.

Polls closed at 7 p.m. and Election Day ballots are still being counted.&nbsp;

Check Hays Post for election results as they are available.

Don't rely upon what Facebook chooses to show you in your news feed. Come straight to the source.

Check out <a href="https://hayspost.com/">HaysPost.com</a> for the latest on the 111th Kansas House race, as well as statewide Kansas races and national updates.&nbsp;

Click <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/18969dde-98b7-4a35-a365-f2979ae1cffa">HERE</a> for detailed instructions on how to bookmark Hays Post on your mobile device.

Or download our app for iPhone or Android devices&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/6a6a608d-e9cf-47a9-a632-1cafbbede774">HERE</a>.

Click HERE for final unofficial results from Election Day.Hays PostAfter early votes and&nbsp; advance mail ballots came in, the race for the 111th District of the Kansas House were close, withe the incumbent leading the way.Rep. Barb Wasinger, R-Hays, garnered 1,462 of the early and mail ballots, with challenger Ed Hammond, D- Hays, receiving 1,302.There were three write-in votes among the early and mail ballots.Polls closed at 7 p.m. and Election Day ballots are still being counted.&nbsp;Check Hays Post for election results as they are available.------Don't rely upon what Facebook chooses to show you in your news feed. Come straight to the source.Check out <a href="https://hayspost.com/">HaysPost.com</a> for the latest on the 111th Kansas House race, as well as statewide Kansas races and national updates.&nbsp;Click <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/18969dde-98b7-4a35-a365-f2979ae1cffa">HERE</a> for detailed instructions on how to bookmark Hays Post on your mobile device.Or download our app for iPhone or Android devices&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/6a6a608d-e9cf-47a9-a632-1cafbbede774">HERE</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667946212121.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

🗳 Wasinger leads Hammond after early, mail ballot count 🗳

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab about the upcoming November 2022 election.

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab about the upcoming November 2022 election.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4CT12zEhq6M" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

🎤 Forward Ever: Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab

When I’m asked&nbsp;how&nbsp;to&nbsp;best&nbsp;describe&nbsp;State Representative Barb Wasinger one word comes immediately to mind. Tenacious!

​From the day Barb Wasinger set foot in the statehouse it was clear she&nbsp;was a leader. &nbsp;For most new legislators it takes time to get their feet under them but with Barb it was different. &nbsp;Barb jumped in and immediately became an effective advocate for the people of Hays and Ellis County.

​Barb quickly earned the trust of House leadership and because of that she serves on several important committees including Taxation and Financial Institutions&nbsp;&amp; Rural Development. &nbsp;Even more impressive is that after only two years in office she was named Vice Chair of the Higher Education Budget committee where she is a powerful voice for Fort Hays State University.

​She was also Chair of the Joint Rules and Regulations and is currently it’s Vice Chair. &nbsp;Barb took the lead to get the Constitutional Amendment (HCR 5014) dealing with the out-of-control bureaucracy to the ballot.

​She is a tenacious legislator who is not afraid to do the hard work to&nbsp;actually make&nbsp;things happen&nbsp;in the Statehouse. &nbsp;Whether working on&nbsp;a&nbsp;project for House Leadership or her constituents, Barb is single-minded. &nbsp;She will not let up until the job is done.&nbsp;

The people of Ellis County need to know what an effective, tremendous asset she is for them in Topeka.

​We have big plans for her next year! &nbsp;

Dan Hawkins, R-Wichita, 100th District, House Majority Leader

When I’m asked&nbsp;how&nbsp;to&nbsp;best&nbsp;describe&nbsp;State Representative Barb Wasinger one word comes immediately to mind. Tenacious!​From the day Barb Wasinger set foot in the statehouse it was clear she&nbsp;was a leader. &nbsp;For most new legislators it takes time to get their feet under them but with Barb it was different. &nbsp;Barb jumped in and immediately became an effective advocate for the people of Hays and Ellis County.​Barb quickly earned the trust of House leadership and because of that she serves on several important committees including Taxation and Financial Institutions&nbsp;&amp; Rural Development. &nbsp;Even more impressive is that after only two years in office she was named Vice Chair of the Higher Education Budget committee where she is a powerful voice for Fort Hays State University.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>​She was also Chair of the Joint Rules and Regulations and is currently it’s Vice Chair. &nbsp;Barb took the lead to get the Constitutional Amendment (HCR 5014) dealing with the out-of-control bureaucracy to the ballot.​She is a tenacious legislator who is not afraid to do the hard work to&nbsp;actually make&nbsp;things happen&nbsp;in the Statehouse. &nbsp;Whether working on&nbsp;a&nbsp;project for House Leadership or her constituents, Barb is single-minded. &nbsp;She will not let up until the job is done.&nbsp;The people of Ellis County need to know what an effective, tremendous asset she is for them in Topeka.​We have big plans for her next year! &nbsp;I give her my strongest endorsement.Dan Hawkins, R-Wichita, 100th District, House Majority Leader

LETTER: House leader — big plans for Wasinger

A mailer that arrived in Hays-area mailboxes this weekend has drawn the ire of 111th House challenger Ed Hammond.

The mailer, paid for by Topeka-based PAC Kansas Family Voice, misnamed Hammond as "Tom."

In a statement, Hammond said&nbsp; he the use of the name — the name of his deceased brother — could be "confusing" to voters.

“I loved my brother Tom very much, and still do 12 years after his passing. It was very disturbing and immensely sad to see his name invoked in a political context, especially in relation to divisive, culture-war issues," Hammond said in the statement. "The mailer is potentially confusing to voters, and though I doubt that the mistake is a deliberate attempt to create confusion, it is necessary to point out and correct the mistake."

“At the very least, the mistake highlights the disconnect between my opponent’s campaign and the major issues facing voters from the 111th&nbsp;District. Those are the important economic issues of support for three of the district’s major industries: health care; K-12 education; and Fort Hays State University," he continued. "They are not the culture-war subjects of this mailer, or the national issues highlighted in other mailers funded by outside interest groups and PACS who support my opponent. The error in this instance also puts front and center the fact that those outside interest groups have very little interest in our district, but a very large interest in my opponent’s candidacy.”

The incorrect name is also the name of incumbent state Rep. Barb Wasinger's husband.

Kansas Family Voice apologized for the "typographical" error, repeating portions of the message on the flyers.&nbsp;

“Kansas Family Voice is an outside group who legally cannot and does not coordinate with the candidates and our unfortunate typographical error, for which we sincerely apologize, is ours alone," the organization said in a statement to Hays Post. "Nothing changes the fact that Barb Wasinger has been on the frontlines in Topeka protecting Hays families, girls’ opportunities, and your tax dollars from being used to fund abortion. Ed Hammond has no such track record.”

Wasinger noted the mailer originated not from her campaign, but from the PAC.&nbsp;

"I had no idea the ad was coming and had no part in it.  Additionally, because this is an independent expenditure supporting my campaign, I legally cannot know about it ahead of time," she said in a statement to Hays Post. "I do know that Kansas Family Voice is a Christian organization and they would never intentionally hurt anyone, nor would I.  I’m sure it was an honest mistake on their part, and I look forward to continuing to address the issues of concern for my district."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666636512773.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hays PostA mailer that arrived in Hays-area mailboxes this weekend has drawn the ire of 111th House challenger Ed Hammond.The mailer, paid for by Topeka-based PAC Kansas Family Voice, misnamed Hammond as "Tom."In a statement, Hammond said&nbsp; he the use of the name — the name of his deceased brother — could be "confusing" to voters.“I loved my brother Tom very much, and still do 12 years after his passing. It was very disturbing and immensely sad to see his name invoked in a political context, especially in relation to divisive, culture-war issues," Hammond said in the statement. "The mailer is potentially confusing to voters, and though I doubt that the mistake is a deliberate attempt to create confusion, it is necessary to point out and correct the mistake."“At the very least, the mistake highlights the disconnect between my opponent’s campaign and the major issues facing voters from the 111th&nbsp;District. Those are the important economic issues of support for three of the district’s major industries: health care; K-12 education; and Fort Hays State University," he continued. "They are not the culture-war subjects of this mailer, or the national issues highlighted in other mailers funded by outside interest groups and PACS who support my opponent. The error in this instance also puts front and center the fact that those outside interest groups have very little interest in our district, but a very large interest in my opponent’s candidacy.”The incorrect name is also the name of incumbent state Rep. Barb Wasinger's husband.Kansas Family Voice apologized for the "typographical" error, repeating portions of the message on the flyers.&nbsp;“Kansas Family Voice is an outside group who legally cannot and does not coordinate with the candidates and our unfortunate typographical error, for which we sincerely apologize, is ours alone," the organization said in a statement to Hays Post. "Nothing changes the fact that Barb Wasinger has been on the frontlines in Topeka protecting Hays families, girls’ opportunities, and your tax dollars from being used to fund abortion. Ed Hammond has no such track record.”Wasinger noted the mailer originated not from her campaign, but from the PAC.&nbsp;"I had no idea the ad was coming and had no part in it. Additionally, because this is an independent expenditure supporting my campaign, I legally cannot know about it ahead of time," she said in a statement to Hays Post. "I do know that Kansas Family Voice is a Christian organization and they would never intentionally hurt anyone, nor would I. I’m sure it was an honest mistake on their part, and I look forward to continuing to address the issues of concern for my district."

111th House race flyer draws statement from Hammond

On this episode of the Post Podcast, Ellis County Sheriff Scott Braun and Graham County Sheriff Cole Presley, discuss the proposed amendment to the Kansas Consitution on the ballot in November that would enshrine the office of the Sheriff within the constitution.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/e72721bf-17fe-43d1-a428-8eb7c32185ff">For more about the Post Podcast, including a full list of episodes and episode transcripts click here.</a>

On this episode of the Post Podcast, Ellis County Sheriff Scott Braun and Graham County Sheriff Cole Presley, discuss the proposed amendment to the Kansas Consitution on the ballot in November that would enshrine the office of the Sheriff within the constitution.<div><iframe title="Area Sheriff’s discuss proposed Kansas constitutional amendment" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=jdp7h-12f2b8a-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/e72721bf-17fe-43d1-a428-8eb7c32185ff">For more about the Post Podcast, including a full list of episodes and episode transcripts click here.</a>

🎙 Post Podcast: Area Sheriff's discuss proposed Kansas constitutional amendment

By SCOTT SCHWAB Kansas Secretary of State

As we approach the November 8 election, I want to thank our county election officials and poll workers
for their tireless work to ensure the security and integrity of our elections.


Second, I want to remind voters they have multiple options for how to cast their ballot: in-person on
Election Day, advance in-person, or advance by mail ballot. Voters can preview their ballot and verify
their polling location at VoteKansas.gov.


Beginning on October 19, advance in-person voting may begin and advance by mail ballots are
transmitted to voters who requested a ballot. Advance in-person voting schedules vary by county. Voters
may locate their county’s advance in-person voting schedule by contacting their county election office.


Voters who requested an advance by mail ballot must return their ballot to the county election office by
7:00 p.m. on Election Day. Ballots that are returned by postal mail must be postmarked by 7:00 p.m. on
Election Day and received by the county election office by the last postal delivery on the third day
following the election to be counted.


Please remember that state law requires voter identification when voting in person or by mail. A list of
acceptable forms of ID can be found at VoteKansas.gov.


Please note the 2022 General Election dates and deadlines:


By SCOTT SCHWAB Kansas Secretary of StateAs we approach the November 8 election, I want to thank our county election officials and poll workers
for their tireless work to ensure the security and integrity of our elections.
Second, I want to remind voters they have multiple options for how to cast their ballot: in-person on
Election Day, advance in-person, or advance by mail ballot. Voters can preview their ballot and verify
their polling location at VoteKansas.gov.
Beginning on October 19, advance in-person voting may begin and advance by mail ballots are
transmitted to voters who requested a ballot. Advance in-person voting schedules vary by county. Voters
may locate their county’s advance in-person voting schedule by contacting their county election office.
Voters who requested an advance by mail ballot must return their ballot to the county election office by
7:00 p.m. on Election Day. Ballots that are returned by postal mail must be postmarked by 7:00 p.m. on
Election Day and received by the county election office by the last postal delivery on the third day
following the election to be counted.
Please remember that state law requires voter identification when voting in person or by mail. A list of
acceptable forms of ID can be found at VoteKansas.gov.
Please note the 2022 General Election dates and deadlines:
<ul>
 <li>October 18: Last day to register to vote for the general election

						</li><li>October 19: Advance voting in person and by mail may begin

						</li><li>November 7 (NOON): Last day to advance vote in-person

						</li><li>November 8: GENERAL ELECTION (advance by mail ballots must be postmarked by 7:00 p.m. on
November 8) 
I encourage all registered voters to exercise their constitutional right to vote on, or before, November 8.

						</li>
 </ul>

SCHWAB: Important general election reminders

The deadline for letters related to the 2022 general election is Oct. 26. In order to be considered for publication on Hays Post, letters must be submitted by 5 p.m. Oct. 26.

Submit letters for consideration to <a href="mailto:admin@hayspost.com">admin@hayspost.com</a>.

The deadline for letters related to the 2022 general election is Oct. 26. In order to be considered for publication on Hays Post, letters must be submitted by 5 p.m. Oct. 26.Submit letters for consideration to <a href="mailto:admin@hayspost.com">admin@hayspost.com</a>.

Deadline for election-related letters will be Oct. 26

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1510a55d-7e11-4d07-9cf7-1e9062fdd7cb">RELATED: Hays Post / Smoky Hills TV forum from Oct. 5</a>

Voters in the 111th&nbsp;District of the Kansas House of Representatives will get an opportunity to hear what each candidate has to say during a live forum Oct. 12 in Hays.

The 111th&nbsp;District forum will be at 6 p.m. at Rose Garden Banquet Hall, 2350 E. Eighth. Doors will open for the event at 5:30 p.m.

The forum will feature incumbent Barbara Wasinger, a Republican, and challenger Edward Hammond, a Democrat.<a></a>

The forum is sponsored by The Chamber in Hays, The American Democracy Project at Fort Hays State University, FHSU’s Political Science Department, the Docking Institute of Public Affairs and Tiger Media Network.

“There is no greater liberty as an American than exercising one’s right to vote,” said Sarah Wasinger, president and CEO of The Chamber. “The Chamber in Hays, Kan., encourages all 111th&nbsp;District constituents to attend this forum to be informed on both candidates and issues.”

Moderators for the forum will be Tim Carpenter of the Kansas Reflector and Pilar Pedraza of KAKE News. Both have spent numerous years covering the statehouse in Topeka.

The event is scheduled to last approximately one hour.

“The American Democracy Project is honored to assist in sponsoring this event that helps our community members get informed and civically active,” said Grace McCord, student co-coordinator of the American Democracy Project at FHSU. “One of the best ways we can contribute to democracy is by being well-informed voters. We are especially excited to be a part of the 111th forum because it is an excellent opportunity for our community to come together and get involved in the democratic process.”

The forum will be streamed live via Tiger Media Network’s YouTube Channel, and the public is also welcome to attend in person free of charge.

Refreshments will be provided by Midwest Energy and the Hays Daily News.

Audience members will be able to submit questions for candidates at the event. Questions also can be submitted prior to Oct. 12 by emailing them to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:hayscc@hayschamber.com">hayscc@hayschamber.com</a>&nbsp;or to Tiger Media Network at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:njschwien@fhsu.edu">njschwien@fhsu.edu</a>.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1510a55d-7e11-4d07-9cf7-1e9062fdd7cb">RELATED: Hays Post / Smoky Hills TV forum from Oct. 5</a>News releaseVoters in the 111th&nbsp;District of the Kansas House of Representatives will get an opportunity to hear what each candidate has to say during a live forum Oct. 12 in Hays.The 111th&nbsp;District forum will be at 6 p.m. at Rose Garden Banquet Hall, 2350 E. Eighth. Doors will open for the event at 5:30 p.m.The forum will feature incumbent Barbara Wasinger, a Republican, and challenger Edward Hammond, a Democrat.<a></a>The forum is sponsored by The Chamber in Hays, The American Democracy Project at Fort Hays State University, FHSU’s Political Science Department, the Docking Institute of Public Affairs and Tiger Media Network.“There is no greater liberty as an American than exercising one’s right to vote,” said Sarah Wasinger, president and CEO of The Chamber. “The Chamber in Hays, Kan., encourages all 111th&nbsp;District constituents to attend this forum to be informed on both candidates and issues.”Moderators for the forum will be Tim Carpenter of the Kansas Reflector and Pilar Pedraza of KAKE News. Both have spent numerous years covering the statehouse in Topeka.The event is scheduled to last approximately one hour.“The American Democracy Project is honored to assist in sponsoring this event that helps our community members get informed and civically active,” said Grace McCord, student co-coordinator of the American Democracy Project at FHSU. “One of the best ways we can contribute to democracy is by being well-informed voters. We are especially excited to be a part of the 111th forum because it is an excellent opportunity for our community to come together and get involved in the democratic process.”The forum will be streamed live via Tiger Media Network’s YouTube Channel, and the public is also welcome to attend in person free of charge.Refreshments will be provided by Midwest Energy and the Hays Daily News.Audience members will be able to submit questions for candidates at the event. Questions also can be submitted prior to Oct. 12 by emailing them to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:hayscc@hayschamber.com">hayscc@hayschamber.com</a>&nbsp;or to Tiger Media Network at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:njschwien@fhsu.edu">njschwien@fhsu.edu</a>.

Second 111th House forum set for Wednesday in Hays

By PAUL HAMMEL <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/nebraska-man-gets-prison-for-threatening-colorado-election-official/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — A Lincoln man was sentenced Thursday to 18 months in prison
 for making threatening posts on an Instagram page concerning Colorado 
Secretary of State Jena Griswold.

Among the posts made by 42-year-old Travis Ford were ones that said, 
“Do you feel safe? You shouldn’t.”And “Your security detail is far too 
thin and incompetent to protect you. This world is unpredictable these 
days.…anything can happen to anyone.”

Attorney General Merrick Garland, in a press release, said the sentence makes clear that “meaningful penalties” await those who illegally threaten election workers.

“The Justice Department will not hesitate to hold accountable those 
whose illegal threats of violence endanger the public servants who 
administer our elections,” Garland said.

According to federal court documents, Ford also posted similar 
threats associated with the president of the United States and another 
public figure.

The Associated Press reported that U.S. District Judge John M. Gerrard rejected pleas by Ford’s attorney for a lighter sentence.

Gerrard said there’s “nothing special” about being steadily employed,
 noting that Ford made 18 serious threats over three months. The judge 
called arguments over vaccine mandates “complete nonsense,” according to
 the AP.

The FBI Denver Field Office investigated the case, with the assistance of the FBI Omaha Field Office.

The case was part of the Justice Department’s Election Threats Task 
Force launched in June 2021. That task force was launched in the wake of
 false claims that the 2020 election was “stolen” and resulting threats 
and intimidation aimed at election workers.

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/09/21/nebraska-election-officials-say-their-job-is-more-stressful-under-the-spotlight/">Nebraska election workers have reported</a> higher stress and some angry calls from those questioning the validity of the 2020 election results.

A “voter accuracy” group in the state has also questioned whether vote-counting machines were accurate — <a target="_blank" href="https://sos.nebraska.gov/sites/sos.nebraska.gov/files/doc/Fake%20vs%20Fact%20March%202022_0.pdf">claims totally refuted by Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen in a Powerpoint entitled “Fake vs. Fact.”</a>

Also on Thursday, federal officials arrested a 64-year-old Hiawatha, 
Iowa, man for allegedly sending a threatening communication to an 
election official on the Maricopa (Arizona) County Board. Mark A. Rissi 
also allegedly threatened an official in the Arizona Attorney General’s 
Office.

By PAUL HAMMEL <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/nebraska-man-gets-prison-for-threatening-colorado-election-official/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — A Lincoln man was sentenced Thursday to 18 months in prison
 for making threatening posts on an Instagram page concerning Colorado 
Secretary of State Jena Griswold.Among the posts made by 42-year-old Travis Ford were ones that said, 
“Do you feel safe? You shouldn’t.”And “Your security detail is far too 
thin and incompetent to protect you. This world is unpredictable these 
days.…anything can happen to anyone.”<h2>‘Meaningful penalties’</h2>Attorney General Merrick Garland, in a press release, said the sentence makes clear that “meaningful penalties” await those who illegally threaten election workers.“The Justice Department will not hesitate to hold accountable those 
whose illegal threats of violence endanger the public servants who 
administer our elections,” Garland said.According to federal court documents, Ford also posted similar 
threats associated with the president of the United States and another 
public figure.The Associated Press reported that U.S. District Judge John M. Gerrard rejected pleas by Ford’s attorney for a lighter sentence.Gerrard said there’s “nothing special” about being steadily employed,
 noting that Ford made 18 serious threats over three months. The judge 
called arguments over vaccine mandates “complete nonsense,” according to
 the AP.The FBI Denver Field Office investigated the case, with the assistance of the FBI Omaha Field Office.<h2>Higher stress</h2>The case was part of the Justice Department’s Election Threats Task 
Force launched in June 2021. That task force was launched in the wake of
 false claims that the 2020 election was “stolen” and resulting threats 
and intimidation aimed at election workers.<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/09/21/nebraska-election-officials-say-their-job-is-more-stressful-under-the-spotlight/">Nebraska election workers have reported</a> higher stress and some angry calls from those questioning the validity of the 2020 election results.A “voter accuracy” group in the state has also questioned whether vote-counting machines were accurate — <a target="_blank" href="https://sos.nebraska.gov/sites/sos.nebraska.gov/files/doc/Fake%20vs%20Fact%20March%202022_0.pdf">claims totally refuted by Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen in a Powerpoint entitled “Fake vs. Fact.”</a>Also on Thursday, federal officials arrested a 64-year-old Hiawatha, 
Iowa, man for allegedly sending a threatening communication to an 
election official on the Maricopa (Arizona) County Board. Mark A. Rissi 
also allegedly threatened an official in the Arizona Attorney General’s 
Office.

Nebraska man gets prison for threatening Colorado election official

BUNKER HILL — At 7 p.m. Wednesday, Hays Post and Smoky Hills Public TV will co-sponsor a forum featuring candidates for the 111th Kansas House District.

Incumbent Rep. Barb Wasinger, R-Hays, will face Democrat Ed Hammond in the general election.

The forum will cover a variety of topics and will be moderated by Becky Kiser of Hays Post and Eagle Radio of Hays.

The forum will be available streaming on Hays Post, via Smoky Hills Public TV and on the Smoky Hills Public TV YouTube channel.

The forum will also be aired live on <a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KAYS">KAYS 1400 AM / 94.3 FM</a>.

The forum is made possible by the support of The Meckenstock Group.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664890634702.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BUNKER HILL — At 7 p.m. Wednesday, Hays Post and Smoky Hills Public TV will co-sponsor a forum featuring candidates for the 111th Kansas House District.Incumbent Rep. Barb Wasinger, R-Hays, will face Democrat Ed Hammond in the general election.The forum will cover a variety of topics and will be moderated by Becky Kiser of Hays Post and Eagle Radio of Hays.The forum will be available streaming on Hays Post, via Smoky Hills Public TV and on the Smoky Hills Public TV YouTube channel.The forum will also be aired live on <a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KAYS">KAYS 1400 AM / 94.3 FM</a>.<div><iframe title="KS-111th District election debate set for Oct. 12" allowtransparency="true" height="450" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=x3q3b-12d3fd2-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=450" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>The forum is made possible by the support of The Meckenstock Group.

🎙 Hays Post, Smoky Hills will host 111th House candidate forum

For more about the Post Podcast, including a full list of episodes and episode transcripts click here.

<div><iframe title="KS-111th District election debate set for Oct. 12" allowtransparency="true" height="450" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=x3q3b-12d3fd2-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=450" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>For more about the Post Podcast, including a full list of episodes and episode transcripts click here.

🎙 Post Podcast: KS-111th District election debate set for Oct. 12

By BETH L. FOSSEN <a href="https://theconversation.com/name-calling-in-politics-grabs-headlines-but-voters-dont-like-it-and-it-could-backfire-in-the-2022-midterm-elections-190398">The Conversation</a>

Spending on political advertising is setting records in the midterm 
elections. But evidence shows that negative messages might discourage 
voters from casting ballots altogether. 

As the 2022 midterms get closer, political attacks in campaign advertisements are on the rise. 

In November, <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/republicans-gosar-trump-ocasio-cortez/2021/11/08/ead37b36-40ca-11ec-9ea7-3eb2406a2e24_story.html">Rep. Paul Gosar shared an anime cartoon video</a> showing him physically attacking Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a Democrat, and President Joe Biden.

That same month, Rep. Ilhan Omar called her Republican colleague Rep. Lauren Boebert <a href="https://twitter.com/IlhanMN/status/1464037767005057024">a buffoon and a bigot</a> on Twitter. Even the official White House Twitter account has gotten in on the politically divisive action, making <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/26/us/white-house-twitter-ppp-loans.html">recent headlines</a> when it snapped back in August 2022 at several Republican members of Congress who criticized the <a href="https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/covid-19-relief-options/paycheck-protection-program">Paycheck Protection Program</a> – after they themselves had their loans forgiven.

Uncivil messages by politicians have <a href="https://doi.org/10.1177/19485506221083811">become more and more common</a> in the last decade. Political attacks are now a regular occurrence in an increasingly polarized political environment, <a href="https://doi.org/10.1086/718979">encouraging voters to get mad and plan to vote</a> ahead of Election Day in November.

But that doesn’t mean these kinds of advertisements and personal attacks actually work. 

<a href="https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=vFCS00oAAAAJ&amp;hl=en">I study political marketing</a>
 and, as a former campaign manager and political consultant, have seen 
politicians use uncivil strategies firsthand with the hopes of getting 
themselves elected. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s11129-021-09246-x">My research</a>
 on political advertising suggests that highly polarized communications 
could be losing their persuasive power and can even backfire in the 
upcoming midterms, hurting a candidate’s chances.

<a href="https://doi.org/10.1287/mksc.2020.1260">My research</a> shows that political ads and language do indeed put people in a negative mood. Even simply asking voters to <a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s11109-017-9431-7">think about politics</a> is enough to get them angry. This negativity is amplified if an ad <a href="https://doi.org/10.1086/523287">specifically attacks</a> an opposing candidate.

There is also evidence that this anger carries over to voting 
behavior. Data from U.S. elections from 2000 to 2012 shows that negative
 political TV commercials make people less likely to vote for the 
attacked politician, but also make <a href="https://doi.org/10.1287/mksc.2017.1079">people less</a> likely to <a href="https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.4347">vote in general</a>.

Politicians tend to use <a href="https://doi.org/10.1017/S0003055420000696">less negative, polarizing advertising</a>
 on social media compared to their advertising on television, however. 
This might be because social media attracts a smaller, more targeted 
audience, and perhaps candidates fear that these kinds of tactics could 
demobilize supporters.

There are a few factors that help explain why political campaigns and
 attacks on opponents have become more toxic in recent years.

First off, voters are <a href="https://doi.org/10.1086/718979">more emotional and angrier</a> than ever before. This emotion about politics has been linked to the <a href="https://news.gallup.com/poll/249098/americans-stress-worry-anger-intensified-2018.aspx">normalcy of anger in our day-to-day lives</a> and <a href="https://doi.org/10.1086/718979">increased political competition</a> – for example, close presidential elections.

Democrats and Republicans in the U.S. are also <a href="https://doi.org/10.1086/718979">interacting less and less</a>. This social polarization comes as <a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/poq/nfs038">political identity is more important to voters</a>
 than ever before. Being a Democrat or a Republican is a core part of 
who the voter is and shapes both their political decisions – like whom 
they vote for – as well as their nonpolitical ones, like whom they hang 
out with.

Given these factors, conversations about politics are increasingly happening among people who already agree on political issues.

Politicians like former President <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/01/19/upshot/trump-complete-insult-list.html">Donald Trump</a> and others seem to be leveraging the fact that they are preaching to the choir, so to speak, and are using <a href="https://doi.org/10.1177/19485506221083811">more and more polarized language</a> to attack the other side.

Whether language is polarized or not is a subjective question, but my research and the work of others has focused on <a href="https://doi.org/10.1287/mksc.2020.1260">how negative a political message is</a> and <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11129-021-09246-x">how extreme the message is</a>.

The declining power of polarized messaging

There is some evidence that voters may be getting tired of negative political communications flooding their screens. 

Using data from the 2016 U.S. presidential election, my collaborators
 and I found that political ad messages that are more polarized <a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s11129-021-09246-x">hurt candidates in the polls and lead voters to talk less about the candidate</a>.

Specifically, we find that voters prefer more centrist and more 
consistent messaging in political ads, at least in the contexts of 
recent presidential elections. This research used text analysis methods,
 which allowed us to score each ad for how polarized the messaging was 
as well as how consistent the messaging was for the candidate. 

Polarized messages particularly hurt a candidate’s election chances if they are <a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s11129-021-09246-x">off-brand for the candidate</a> – that is, for politicians who are typically moderate, and then try to go extreme.

There’s a <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/whats-at-stake-2022-midterm-elections/">lot at stake</a>
 in the upcoming midterm elections in November 2022, as every House seat
 and about one-third of the Senate seats are up for grabs. A 
record-setting <a href="https://adimpact.com/2022-political-spending-projections/">US$8.9 billion</a> in political ad spending is expected for this midterm election season.

If the dominant tone of this messaging is toxic, political campaigns run the risk of disengaging more and more voters. 

<a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s11129-021-09246-x">My research</a> 
shows that there are emerging consequences of polarized communications 
that can hurt candidates in the polls. These insights may encourage 
political campaigns to test different ad strategies this midterm, 
perhaps curbing the negativity.

Beth L. Fossen is an Assistant Professor of Marketing at the Kelley School of Business, Indiana University.

By BETH L. FOSSEN <a href="https://theconversation.com/name-calling-in-politics-grabs-headlines-but-voters-dont-like-it-and-it-could-backfire-in-the-2022-midterm-elections-190398">The Conversation</a>Spending on political advertising is setting records in the midterm 
elections. But evidence shows that negative messages might discourage 
voters from casting ballots altogether. As the 2022 midterms get closer, political attacks in campaign advertisements are on the rise. In November, <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/republicans-gosar-trump-ocasio-cortez/2021/11/08/ead37b36-40ca-11ec-9ea7-3eb2406a2e24_story.html">Rep. Paul Gosar shared an anime cartoon video</a> showing him physically attacking Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a Democrat, and President Joe Biden. That same month, Rep. Ilhan Omar called her Republican colleague Rep. Lauren Boebert <a href="https://twitter.com/IlhanMN/status/1464037767005057024">a buffoon and a bigot</a> on Twitter. Even the official White House Twitter account has gotten in on the politically divisive action, making <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/26/us/white-house-twitter-ppp-loans.html">recent headlines</a> when it snapped back in August 2022 at several Republican members of Congress who criticized the <a href="https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/covid-19-relief-options/paycheck-protection-program">Paycheck Protection Program</a> – after they themselves had their loans forgiven. Uncivil messages by politicians have <a href="https://doi.org/10.1177/19485506221083811">become more and more common</a> in the last decade. Political attacks are now a regular occurrence in an increasingly polarized political environment, <a href="https://doi.org/10.1086/718979">encouraging voters to get mad and plan to vote</a> ahead of Election Day in November. But that doesn’t mean these kinds of advertisements and personal attacks actually work. <a href="https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=vFCS00oAAAAJ&amp;hl=en">I study political marketing</a>
 and, as a former campaign manager and political consultant, have seen 
politicians use uncivil strategies firsthand with the hopes of getting 
themselves elected. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s11129-021-09246-x">My research</a>
 on political advertising suggests that highly polarized communications 
could be losing their persuasive power and can even backfire in the 
upcoming midterms, hurting a candidate’s chances.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">This is sick behavior from Rep. Paul Gosar. He tweeted out the video showing him killing Rep. Ocasio-Cortez from both his official account and personal account. In any workplace in America, if a coworker made an anime video killing another coworker, that person would be fired. <a href="https://t.co/0ygBfE6bEL">pic.twitter.com/0ygBfE6bEL</a>&mdash; Ted Lieu (@tedlieu) <a href="https://twitter.com/tedlieu/status/1457865685464276997?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 9, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div><h2>The impacts of political attack ads</h2><a href="https://doi.org/10.1287/mksc.2020.1260">My research</a> shows that political ads and language do indeed put people in a negative mood. Even simply asking voters to <a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s11109-017-9431-7">think about politics</a> is enough to get them angry. This negativity is amplified if an ad <a href="https://doi.org/10.1086/523287">specifically attacks</a> an opposing candidate. There is also evidence that this anger carries over to voting 
behavior. Data from U.S. elections from 2000 to 2012 shows that negative
 political TV commercials make people less likely to vote for the 
attacked politician, but also make <a href="https://doi.org/10.1287/mksc.2017.1079">people less</a> likely to <a href="https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.4347">vote in general</a>.Politicians tend to use <a href="https://doi.org/10.1017/S0003055420000696">less negative, polarizing advertising</a>
 on social media compared to their advertising on television, however. 
This might be because social media attracts a smaller, more targeted 
audience, and perhaps candidates fear that these kinds of tactics could 
demobilize supporters.<h2>The rise of polarization</h2>There are a few factors that help explain why political campaigns and
 attacks on opponents have become more toxic in recent years.First off, voters are <a href="https://doi.org/10.1086/718979">more emotional and angrier</a> than ever before. This emotion about politics has been linked to the <a href="https://news.gallup.com/poll/249098/americans-stress-worry-anger-intensified-2018.aspx">normalcy of anger in our day-to-day lives</a> and <a href="https://doi.org/10.1086/718979">increased political competition</a> – for example, close presidential elections. Democrats and Republicans in the U.S. are also <a href="https://doi.org/10.1086/718979">interacting less and less</a>. This social polarization comes as <a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/poq/nfs038">political identity is more important to voters</a>
 than ever before. Being a Democrat or a Republican is a core part of 
who the voter is and shapes both their political decisions – like whom 
they vote for – as well as their nonpolitical ones, like whom they hang 
out with. Given these factors, conversations about politics are increasingly happening among people who already agree on political issues.Politicians like former President <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/01/19/upshot/trump-complete-insult-list.html">Donald Trump</a> and others seem to be leveraging the fact that they are preaching to the choir, so to speak, and are using <a href="https://doi.org/10.1177/19485506221083811">more and more polarized language</a> to attack the other side. Whether language is polarized or not is a subjective question, but my research and the work of others has focused on <a href="https://doi.org/10.1287/mksc.2020.1260">how negative a political message is</a> and <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11129-021-09246-x">how extreme the message is</a>. <h2>The declining power of polarized messaging</h2>There is some evidence that voters may be getting tired of negative political communications flooding their screens. Using data from the 2016 U.S. presidential election, my collaborators
 and I found that political ad messages that are more polarized <a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s11129-021-09246-x">hurt candidates in the polls and lead voters to talk less about the candidate</a>. Specifically, we find that voters prefer more centrist and more 
consistent messaging in political ads, at least in the contexts of 
recent presidential elections. This research used text analysis methods,
 which allowed us to score each ad for how polarized the messaging was 
as well as how consistent the messaging was for the candidate. Polarized messages particularly hurt a candidate’s election chances if they are <a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s11129-021-09246-x">off-brand for the candidate</a> – that is, for politicians who are typically moderate, and then try to go extreme.<h2>Looking ahead to the 2022 midterms</h2>There’s a <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/whats-at-stake-2022-midterm-elections/">lot at stake</a>
 in the upcoming midterm elections in November 2022, as every House seat
 and about one-third of the Senate seats are up for grabs. A 
record-setting <a href="https://adimpact.com/2022-political-spending-projections/">US$8.9 billion</a> in political ad spending is expected for this midterm election season. If the dominant tone of this messaging is toxic, political campaigns run the risk of disengaging more and more voters. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s11129-021-09246-x">My research</a> 
shows that there are emerging consequences of polarized communications 
that can hurt candidates in the polls. These insights may encourage 
political campaigns to test different ad strategies this midterm, 
perhaps curbing the negativity.Beth L. Fossen is an Assistant Professor of Marketing at the Kelley School of Business, Indiana University.<div><iframe src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/190398/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-advanced" width="1" height="1" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade"></iframe></div>

Name-calling in politics grabs headlines, but voters don’t like it – and it could backfire in the 2022 midterm elections

This summer felt like being trapped in a Groundhog Day movie—waking up to repeat the same blame-game politics day after day.

Republicans blamed Democrat gubernatorial candidate and current Governor Laura Kelly for unpopular COVID policies. Democrats blamed Republican candidate Attorney General Derek Schmidt for former governor Brownback’s failed economic policies.&nbsp;

The race also includes state Sen. Dennis Pyle, a third candidate who blamed both Kelly and Schmidt as not being conservative enough.

This fall, the focus is shifting toward current issues including public education.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Last week, Schmidt promised to call for the legislature to ban trans athletes in women’s sports within the first 100 days of his taking office.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kelly had vetoed a similar bill last year, but the legislature could not find enough votes to override.

Therefore, rules for school sports are left to the Kansas State High School Activities Association which currently allows transgender student participation.

Yet, inclusion of transgender students in athletics remains controversial.

Conservatives believe that, if allowed to participate in athletics, transgender girls would have unfair advantage when competing with girls whose sex is that assigned at birth.

The Republican voter base appears to support a belief that students are being indoctrinated into views about gender and sexuality that their parents oppose.&nbsp;

The Democratic voter base holds that excluding students from competition because of the gender identity they express is discriminatory and that respect for students to choose their gender identity is a basic right.

The International Olympic Committee took a practical viewpoint on the issue. Its new policy will leave participation of trans athletes up to each individual sport.

The governing body of swimming will bar transgender women from elite Olympic events but will work toward establishing an “open” category that would ensure all swimmers have the chance to compete.&nbsp;

The UCLA School of Law Williams Institute estimated the transgender population by state and found in Kansas approximately 2,100 youth 13 through 17 or 1.04 percent of that population identify as transgender.&nbsp;&nbsp;

It is not known how many of these youth want to play school sports, but it is quite possible that a young person could attend grades 9 through 12 in Kansas without ever having class with a transgender student.&nbsp;

Nevertheless, this fall there is at least one Kansas first-grade student assigned male at birth who identifies and dresses as a girl with support of the parents.

That child will be included in the school and supported in learning according to state equal opportunity policies.

Gender identity is a highly publicized, highly emotional issue that should not deflect attention from critical and what should be nonpartisan school problems that include:

American democracy has endured for more than 200 years, despite wide-ranging religious and belief systems of its people.&nbsp; In November, Kansans will elect the politician they believe best able to lead the state beyond cultural wars that feed mistrust and anger and toward resolution of the overarching problems that we face.&nbsp;&nbsp;

We can learn more when Kelly and Schmidt debate at a Johnson County Bar Association event scheduled for Oct. 5. Pyle did not meet the seven percent polling threshold to participate.

Sharon Hartin Iorio is Dean Emerita Wichita State University College of Education.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593719779701.jpeg" alt="Sharon Hartin Iorio is Dean Emerita Wichita State University College of Education." />
 <figcaption>Sharon Hartin Iorio is Dean Emerita Wichita State University College of Education.</figcaption>
 </figure>This summer felt like being trapped in a Groundhog Day movie—waking up to repeat the same blame-game politics day after day.Republicans blamed Democrat gubernatorial candidate and current Governor Laura Kelly for unpopular COVID policies. Democrats blamed Republican candidate Attorney General Derek Schmidt for former governor Brownback’s failed economic policies.&nbsp;The race also includes state Sen. Dennis Pyle, a third candidate who blamed both Kelly and Schmidt as not being conservative enough.This fall, the focus is shifting toward current issues including public education.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Last week, Schmidt promised to call for the legislature to ban trans athletes in women’s sports within the first 100 days of his taking office.&nbsp;&nbsp;Kelly had vetoed a similar bill last year, but the legislature could not find enough votes to override.Therefore, rules for school sports are left to the Kansas State High School Activities Association which currently allows transgender student participation.Yet, inclusion of transgender students in athletics remains controversial.Conservatives believe that, if allowed to participate in athletics, transgender girls would have unfair advantage when competing with girls whose sex is that assigned at birth.The Republican voter base appears to support a belief that students are being indoctrinated into views about gender and sexuality that their parents oppose.&nbsp;The Democratic voter base holds that excluding students from competition because of the gender identity they express is discriminatory and that respect for students to choose their gender identity is a basic right.The International Olympic Committee took a practical viewpoint on the issue. Its new policy will leave participation of trans athletes up to each individual sport.The governing body of swimming will bar transgender women from elite Olympic events but will work toward establishing an “open” category that would ensure all swimmers have the chance to compete.&nbsp;The UCLA School of Law Williams Institute estimated the transgender population by state and found in Kansas approximately 2,100 youth 13 through 17 or 1.04 percent of that population identify as transgender.&nbsp;&nbsp;It is not known how many of these youth want to play school sports, but it is quite possible that a young person could attend grades 9 through 12 in Kansas without ever having class with a transgender student.&nbsp;Nevertheless, this fall there is at least one Kansas first-grade student assigned male at birth who identifies and dresses as a girl with support of the parents.That child will be included in the school and supported in learning according to state equal opportunity policies.Gender identity is a highly publicized, highly emotional issue that should not deflect attention from critical and what should be nonpartisan school problems that include:<ul>
 <li>Improving student academic achievement,</li><li>Addressing teacher shortages without short-cutting high-quality teacher preparation,&nbsp;</li><li>Increasing school safety and&nbsp;</li><li>Finding ways to provide access for each Kansas student to computing and internet access for homework and school/parent interaction.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>American democracy has endured for more than 200 years, despite wide-ranging religious and belief systems of its people.&nbsp; In November, Kansans will elect the politician they believe best able to lead the state beyond cultural wars that feed mistrust and anger and toward resolution of the overarching problems that we face.&nbsp;&nbsp;We can learn more when Kelly and Schmidt debate at a Johnson County Bar Association event scheduled for Oct. 5. Pyle did not meet the seven percent polling threshold to participate.Sharon Hartin Iorio is Dean Emerita Wichita State University College of Education.

INSIGHT KANSAS: Transgender student athletes and the election

Abortion is on the November ballot in Kansas, at least indirectly. Our judicial and gubernatorial elections are critical for determining whether Kansas moves toward banning abortion long term.&nbsp;

But most Kansas voters are pro-choice and just rejected an anti-abortion constitutional amendment. Didn’t that settle the issue?&nbsp;

Let’s say that your goal is banning abortion in Kansas. Maybe you support Kansas House Bill 2486 that would have banned abortion except in limited circumstances, with no exception for rape, incest, or many threats to women’s life or health. How do you get that ban into law?&nbsp;

Strategy one: Constitutional amendment.&nbsp;

This was the amendment that just failed. It would have reversed the Kansas Supreme Court&nbsp;Hodes&nbsp;ruling on abortion access, allowing Kansas legislators to then ban abortion.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kansans voted in huge numbers against that amendment, but many conservative activists are struggling to accept those results. Some have alleged imaginary large-scale voter fraud. Others have delegitimized the vote, saying that Kansans were “fooled” or “misled.” Others have said they will just find another way to ban abortion.&nbsp;

Cue strategy two: Changing the courts.&nbsp;

If voters won’t overturn the&nbsp;Hodes&nbsp;ruling, then the Kansas Supreme Court must reverse its own decision on the case to enable banning abortion. That likely requires changing the judges on the court. How does that happen?&nbsp;

When court openings occur, a nominating commission reviews applicants on merit and presents the governor with three finalists. The governor appoints one. This helps depoliticize court politics by limiting executive power, but governors often still exercise some ideological influence over their appointments.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575644168170.png" alt="Patrick R. Miller is an Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Kansas.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Patrick R. Miller is an Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Kansas.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Abortion is on the November ballot in Kansas, at least indirectly. Our judicial and gubernatorial elections are critical for determining whether Kansas moves toward banning abortion long term.&nbsp;But most Kansas voters are pro-choice and just rejected an anti-abortion constitutional amendment. Didn’t that settle the issue?&nbsp;No.&nbsp;Let’s say that your goal is banning abortion in Kansas. Maybe you support Kansas House Bill 2486 that would have banned abortion except in limited circumstances, with no exception for rape, incest, or many threats to women’s life or health. How do you get that ban into law?&nbsp;Strategy one: Constitutional amendment.&nbsp;This was the amendment that just failed. It would have reversed the Kansas Supreme Court&nbsp;Hodes&nbsp;ruling on abortion access, allowing Kansas legislators to then ban abortion.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Kansans voted in huge numbers against that amendment, but many conservative activists are struggling to accept those results. Some have alleged imaginary large-scale voter fraud. Others have delegitimized the vote, saying that Kansans were “fooled” or “misled.” Others have said they will just find another way to ban abortion.&nbsp;Cue strategy two: Changing the courts.&nbsp;If voters won’t overturn the&nbsp;Hodes&nbsp;ruling, then the Kansas Supreme Court must reverse its own decision on the case to enable banning abortion. That likely requires changing the judges on the court. How does that happen?&nbsp;When court openings occur, a nominating commission reviews applicants on merit and presents the governor with three finalists. The governor appoints one. This helps depoliticize court politics by limiting executive power, but governors often still exercise some ideological influence over their appointments.&nbsp;Judges must then face periodic retention votes. If voters keep a judge, they serve a six-year term. If voters oust a judge, then the governor appoints a replacement.&nbsp;&nbsp;Six of seven judges on the Kansas Supreme Court face retention elections in November, five of whom were appointed by moderate Republican or Democratic governors. If voters oust any of these judges, then the next governor picks their replacements.&nbsp;How can conservatives use this process to ban abortion? Step one: oust judges this November. Two: elect Republican Derek Schmidt as the next governor. Three: leverage politics to the extent possible to appoint new judges who are more anti-abortion. Four: the new judges must reverse&nbsp;Hodes. Five: the Kansas legislature then passes an abortion ban. Six: Schmidt signs that ban.&nbsp;Obviously, it would have been easier for conservatives if Kansans had passed the abortion amendment and allowed them to skip to step five immediately, but that didn’t happen. That leaves conservatives with taking a more complicated and longer route to an abortion ban.&nbsp;No matter your position on abortion, your bottom line is this: If you keep the Kansas Supreme Court judges, that likely protects abortion access for now. If you oust the judges, you raise the odds of an abortion ban.&nbsp;&nbsp;And, our candidates for governor should answer tough questions about abortion, even if they prefer dodging them. Will abortion affect their judicial appointments? Would they sign an abortion ban? Do they support abortion ban exceptions for rape, incest, or the life or health of women?&nbsp;So rather than being settled, your choices in November will absolutely affect abortion access in Kansas. Now that abortion bans are a political reality in America, don’t expect this issue and its complicated politics to disappear.&nbsp;&nbsp;Patrick R. Miller is an Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Kansas.&nbsp;