Three countywide races develop during first week of filing

In the first four days of election filing in Douglas County, a grand total of three countywide races have developed, including one for county commissioner, though not the one that was anticipated.

On Thursday, Genoa resident Susan Jansen filed against Area 2 School Board trustee Robbe Lehmann generating the second race for three school board seats up this election.

Gardnerville resident David Burns filed for the open Area 7 seat presently held by term-limited trustee Ross Chichester.

Unless more people file for the two contested nonpartisan school board seats, those won’t appear on the ballot until November.

As of Thursday night, the only contested county commissioner race is between Republicans West Rice and Natalie Yanish for District 4.

In the first four days of filing, no one has challenged Sharla Hales for the District 2 seat currently held by Commissioner John Engels. Announced candidate Doug Robbins withdrew before filing in order to go to Poland.

Filing continues through March 18 at the Douglas County Clerk-Treasurer’s Office.

Because Nevada has closed primaries, partisan offices are typically settled in the primary.

Five of the county’s six elected officials have filed for office as of Thursday, with only Public Administrator Steve Walsh yet to indicate whether he’ll seek re-election.

All but the office of sheriff are partisan positions, and no one has yet filed against any of the current candidates.

Today, Douglas County Republicans are conducting precinct meetings and their convention at Valley Christian Fellowship, 1681 Lucerne St., Minden.

The precinct meetings start at 8:30 a.m. where delegates will be selected for the convention, which will follow. Any platform planks or bylaw changes were submitted by March 5 and will be discussed today.

Verification of party affiliation and a drivers license will be required at the door to attend.

If continuing onto the county convention a $15 lunch fee will be collected, so bring cash or check if you plan on staying all day. The county convention will wrap up at around 4:30 p.m.

Douglas County Central Committee Voter Registration Chairwoman Virginia Nisse said Republicans will be donning their green on St. Patrick’s Day to visit with pedestrians and businesses with their clipboards in search of new voters.

They’ll also remind people to check their registration by visiting registertovotenv.gov.

Douglas County is home to 27 nonpartisan elected town and district boards, each of which has taxing authority.

As of Thursday, the Indian Hills General Improvement District Board is the only one with more candidates than seats.

Residents Penni Eisele, Kathryn Clark-Ross, Robert M. Garcia, Robert Stulac and Vicky Lufrano have filed for the three open seats on the board.

The Douglas County Clerk-Treasurer’s office is currently accepting applications for election workers.

This temporary paid position has a flexible schedule and works for the clerk elections office. It is a great way to play a vital role in the democratic process as well as help your community members during the voting process.

Anyone interested in applying to be an election worker during the 2022 elections, we encourage you to visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/douglasconv/jobs/3356378/election-worker?pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs to learn more.

Application, job description, compensation, essential functions, and qualifications can also be found in the link above. Successful candidates must be able to work the Election Days, June 14 and Nov. 8.

Please contact the Clerk’s Office at (775) 783-6095 or elections@douglasnv.us if you have any questions.