By NATE KING
Salina Post
A familiar name has launched a write-in campaign for the Saline County Commission. Kathleen Malone Crouch officially launched her write-in campaign for Saline County Commission District Two on August 19, by filing with Saline County Clerk Jamie Doss.
Malone Crouch, who previously ran for the Republican nomination against Annie Grevas, lost the primary by only 17 votes following the August 6 election.
“I felt that with a 17 vote difference, I had too much of a chance. I think I have so much to offer the county," Malone Crouch told Salina Post.
In total, 1,131 Saline County residents voted in the Saline County District Two election. According to the official results, a total of 4,090 Saline County residents voted in the August 6 Primary, representing just 16.7% of registered voters in the county.
Malone Crouch officially filed as a write-in candidate on Monday at 9:08 a.m. The primary election was close enough that she had the option of a recount, which she would have to pay for herself. Doss said a hand recount would likely cost a few hundred dollars.
READ MORE: 2024 Election: Candidate for Saline County Commission, Kathleen Malone Crouch
"Our election staff are paid $10/hr, then it just depends on how long it would take them to count all District Two," Doss said.
Doss said Malone Crouch or any write-in candidate does not have to pay a fee to file. Malone Crouch said although she did not have to pay to file for her write-in campaign, she did pay to file in Republican primary.
The deadline to file for a write-in campaign is October. 8.
Malone Crouch said she feels confident that voter turnout will increase in November.
"Thinking that the November 5 election will bring out more voters because of the presidential race," Malone Crouch said. "I believe I have a great chance to win this, although I know I would be coming from behind as the underdog write-in, I'm going to give it my best."
Malone Crouch said she plans to hold additional meet-and-greet events at coffee shops around Salina, visit with residents in rural parts of District Two and attend public events as she would
"I have ordered write-in bumper stickers. I've ordered more signs and banners that say write-in," Malone Crouch said.
Malone Crouch, who participated in the League of Women Voters Speed Dating with the Candidate forum, the Granny Brigade forum and the Saline County Republicans forum, said she would be interested in participating in any additional candidate forums before Nov. 5.
"I will be present at meetings unless there's something life-threatening that I can't avoid and I will read about the issues before the meeting," Malone Crouch said. "I believe I do have the passion it takes to serve."
For more details about the November 5 General Election visit the Saline County Elections website here.