By Becky Kiser
Hays Post
In just four years, the 14-year-olds at Hays Middle School will be able to vote in the 2028 elections, including everything from Ellis County, the city of Hays and USD 489 contests to the presidential election.
During a mock election and voter education event Wednesday for the middle school students, the Hays Youth Leadership Advisory Board from Hays High School and Thomas More Prep-Marian asked 11 local elected officials questions about the importance of voting and becoming involved in the community.
The panel consisted of state legislators Rep. Ken Rahjes, R-Agra; Rep. Barb Wasinger, R-Hays; Hays Mayor Sandy Jacobs; Hays Vice-Mayor Mason Ruder; Ellis County Commissioner Neal Younger, District 2; Ellis County Commissioner Michael Berges, District 1 Ellis County Treasurer Vernon Ruder; Ellis County Clerk and Election Official Bobbi Dreiling; Ellis County Sheriff Scott Braun; USD 489 board member Ruth Ruder; and USD 489 board member Ken Brooks.
Members of the high school youth board are recommended by their teachers and then approved by Hays city commissioners.
Current members are Jenna Brull, TMP junior; Isabelle Jones, HHS senior; Caleb King, HHS senior; Jenna Kisner, HHS junior; Preston Mermis, TMP junior; Erin Ruder, HHS junior; and Mitchell Sook, HHS senior.
Rahjes and Dreiling were asked about how the government protects American voting rights.
"Your vote is private," said Rahjes. "The U.S. government works in concert with the Kansas Secretary of State to make sure our elections are safe and secure."
Dreiling, election officer, further described precautions taken at the county level to ensure the integrity of the balloting, emphasizing the transparency of the entire process. She also advocated for more voters to register, urging the students to do so when they turn 18.
"It's your right," said county commissioner Berges. "Not every country has elections and votes. It's how things get done."
Wasinger was asked about the different interests of rural and urban populations in Kansas.
"We have to make sure we have a nice loud voice for our rural areas on water issues, landowner rights, agriculture. ... We're losing population in the agricultural districts while we're gaining population in places like Kansas City in Johnson County and Wichita," she said.
She noted many rural legislators are chairs of various committees, including herself.
The city commissioners, who are Hays natives, talked about non-partisan elections and issues.
"We advocate for everyone, " Jacobs said. She encouraged residents to attend city commission work sessions, where issues and projects are discussed in detail. "All the commissioners get an opinion, and there's public comment and input."
Vice-Mayor Ruder was 28 years old when first elected, the youngest Hays city commissioner ever.
He talked about his family's 150 years in Ellis County and how he is helping shape the community's future for his four young children. Ruder established the Hays Youth Leadership Advisory Board in its second year.
Vernon Ruder, county treasurer, is his father, and Ruth Ruder, school board member, is his mother. Mason's sister, Erin Ruder, is on the youth board.
"Get involved in your community and local politics early," recommended Vernon Ruder.
Several panelists said they discovered their passion for public service while in high school and even middle school, encouraged by their families and classroom teachers.
County Commissioner Younger said listening to constituents and fellow leaders is important for staying connected with the community.
"It starts at home with listening to your parents and grandparents," he told the students.
Sheriff Braun has been in law enforcement for 30 years.
"I love this county, and I love helping people," he said.
The USD 489 school board is also a non-partisan governing board.
"I get to be your voice," Ruth Ruder said.
"We're representing your family and your best interest," added Brooks.
They both talked about the USD 489 bond issue, which was approved by voters and will result in a new high school and middle school.
Ruder encouraged the students to watch the live school board meetings online.
A similar event was conducted last year at TMP.