Jasper County Republican committee to host candidate forum ahead of Aug. 4 primary

Jasper County voters will have an opportunity to hear directly from candidates for federal, state and local office during a candidate forum Thursday evening in Carthage as Republicans prepare for Missouri's Aug. 4 primary election.

The Jasper County Republican Central Committee is hosting the forum at the Carthage Water & Electric Community Room, 627 W. Centennial Ave. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and the program begins at 6 p.m.

Chair of the Jasper County Republican Central Committee Kimberly Kuhns said all Republican candidates appearing on the ballot have been invited to participate, including candidates for Congress, Missouri state auditor, Missouri Senate District 32, Missouri House districts 161, 167 and 127, as well as candidates in contested Jasper County races for Division 4 judge, prosecuting attorney, circuit clerk and recorder of deeds.

Each candidate will have an opportunity to address voters before taking part in a question-and-answer session, allowing attendees to hear directly from those seeking office and ask questions before casting their ballots.

Kuhns said the event comes at a critical time because, in southwest Missouri, Republican primaries often determine who ultimately holds office.

"In this part of the state, the Republican primary is often the election that decides these races," Kuhns said during an interview with NewsTalk KZRG. "We want voters to have the information they need to make informed decisions."

She noted that several local races are contested this year, making voter participation before the Aug. 4 primary especially important.

Following the candidate forum, outgoing Missouri Rep. Lane Roberts, who represents the 161st District, will present an overview of the four constitutional amendments appearing on the Aug. 4 ballot — Amendments 1, 2, 4 and 5 — to help voters better understand the measures before Election Day.

Kuhns also encouraged voters to take advantage of available election resources. She noted that NewsTalk KZRG has published an online election guide with district maps, candidate lists and information on which races appear on voters' ballots.

The Jasper County Republican Headquarters, which officially opened July 10 at 705 Illinois Ave., Suite 4, in Joplin, is also serving as a resource center where voters can obtain candidate literature, campaign signs and information on the constitutional amendments.

Current office hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays. Kuhns said the headquarters plans to expand its hours as Election Day approaches.

She urged voters not to rely solely on social media when researching candidates or ballot measures.

"Facebook and social media don't always tell the full story," Kuhns said. "Come in, ask questions, pick up literature and have conversations so you can cast your ballot with confidence."

In addition to serving as an election information center, the headquarters is selling raffle tickets for an Uncle Sam edition Rough Rider revolver as a fundraiser and will host an election watch party Aug. 4 featuring food, drinks and live election results.

The headquarters is also continuing an America 250 community initiative launched earlier this month. Visitors can sign a pledge supporting the Declaration of Independence, have their photograph taken and write letters to be opened in 2076 reflecting on America's strengths, challenges and hopes for the future.

Those letters, photographs and signed pledges will be preserved in an archive at the Jasper County Recorder's Office and opened during the nation's 300th anniversary celebration in 2076.