By Jennifer Theurer

The Clay County Republicans have had booths at recent community events to survey attendees about which political candidates they preferred. The surprising part for organizer Vonda Wiedmer was that no one really knew any of the candidates listed and some even asked her to tell them who they should vote for.

“The purpose of the survey was to find out what they thought,” Wiedmer said, “not what I thought.”

Those interactions inspired the group to start hosting candidate meet and greets so area voters could learn more about the candidates. Their next event, featuring secretary of state-candidate Pat Proctor, is planned for 6 p.m., Dec. 8 at the Clay County Museum, 518 Lincoln Avenue, Clay Center.

“We’re just trying to do something to make it so that when the election time comes, people have an idea of what they want to do when they get in that booth,” Wiedmer said.

She worries that many voters make their choice based on the last-minute flyers that arrive in their mailboxes.

“And sometimes those flyers are not accurate,” Wiedmer said. “So we want informed voters in Clay County.”