Two Lawrence City Commission seats and three Lawrence school board seats will be on voters’ ballots in the 2025 election.
These seats don’t tend to get as much attention as presidential races, but the people who hold them are often responsible for making the decisions that most directly affect Lawrence residents’ lives and families.
Will these races be on my ballot?
You can search for your voter information through the Kansas secretary of state’s office at myvoteinfo.voteks.org/voterview.
School District 497 is Lawrence Public Schools. Most parts of Lawrence within city limits are also within USD 497 boundaries, but some areas in the northwestern part of town are just outside.
Primary election dates to keep in mind:
• Monday, June 2 — The deadline to file for office (or remove your name from the ballot) is at noon. Find information about filing for office on Douglas County’s website at this link.
• Tuesday, July 15 — The final day to register to vote or update your voter registration for the primary election. Douglas County voters can register quickly and/or request a mail ballot online at KSVotes.org.
• Wednesday, July 16 — In-person advance voting begins, and advance ballots are mailed.
• Tuesday, July 29 — The final day to request a mail ballot.
• Monday, Aug. 4 — In-person advance voting ends at noon.
• Tuesday, Aug. 5 — Election Day! Polling places are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Find your polling place at this link.
Election 2025 coverage

State, city candidates to speak at Douglas County Democrats’ pie auction
A Democratic candidate for Kansas governor as well as candidates for Lawrence City Commission and Lawrence school board will speak at the Douglas County Democrats’ annual pie auction this weekend.

Here’s a look at the 2025 candidates for Lawrence City Commission
At least one Lawrence City Commission seat will change hands in the upcoming election as a longtime incumbent did not file for reelection. Altogether, 13 candidates filed before Monday’s noon deadline.

Here’s a look at the 2025 candidates for Lawrence school board
All three incumbents whose terms will soon end and four challengers have filed to run for Lawrence school board this year.

Here’s a look at candidates who have filed for Lawrence City Commission and school board elections so far
So far in the 2025 local elections, 12 Lawrence City Commission candidates and five Lawrence school board candidates have filed to run. The deadline to file is noon Monday.

Rally at South Park to look ahead to 2026 election
The Democratic Parties of Douglas County and Kansas will soon hold a rally at South Park to discuss the 2026 election, including who will run for governor.

Voter registration has reopened in Kansas; here’s what you should know
Voter registration has reopened in Kansas following Tuesday’s election. That means voters can also update their registration if needed. Here’s what you should know.
More about the offices
These races are nonpartisan, meaning candidates don’t run with a Democratic, Republican or other party designation, and primary elections are not divided by party.
Seats are elected at large, meaning all voters in the city can vote for all commission seats rather than voting by districts, and all voters within Lawrence school district boundaries can vote for all school board positions.
The Lawrence City Commission has five seats, and commissioners serve four-year terms. Some are elected every two years — in 2025, there will be two seats up for election; in 2027, there will be three seats up for election.
Lawrence city commissioners are paid $22,044 per year for their service. Learn more about the commission and find meeting information at this link.
The Lawrence school board has seven seats, and members serve four-year terms. In 2025, three seats will be up for election; in 2027, four seats will be up for election.
School board members are unpaid volunteers. Learn more about the board and find meeting information at this link.
Looking ahead: November general election
Candidates who advance from the Aug. 5 primary election will face off in the Nov. 4 general election. Here are some key dates to know:
• Tuesday, Oct. 14 — The final day to register to vote or update your voter registration for the general election. Douglas County voters can register quickly and/or request a mail ballot online at KSVotes.org.
• Wednesday, Oct. 15 — In-person advance voting begins, and advance ballots are mailed.
• Tuesday, Oct. 28 — The final day to request a mail ballot.
• Monday, Nov. 3 — In-person advance voting ends at noon.
• Tuesday, Nov. 4 — Election Day! Polling places are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
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