2026 Candidate Forum #2

Make plans to attend the second 2026 Candidate Forum, hosted by the League of Women Voters of Great Bend–Barton County. This free, nonpartisan event gives voters the opportunity to hear directly from candidates seeking local and state office before the Tuesday, November 3, 2026, General Election.

Great Bend City Council Candidates have been invited to participate in the following contested races:

• Ward 1 – Deklyn Craven and Gary Parr

• Ward 2 – Kevyn Soupiset, Russell Snyder and Judy Duryee

• Ward 3 – Cody Harris and Layne Leuenberger

• Ward 4 – Sue Cooper (She is running unopposed, but people in her ward could get to know her better if she came).

The forum will be moderated by Marcus Garstecki of Barton Community College. Attendees will hear candidate statements and responses to questions, providing an opportunity to become informed before casting their vote.

Event Details

📍 Great Bend Events Center – Fort Zarah Room, 3111 10th Street, GBK
📅 Thursday, October 15, 2026

• 6:30 PM – Doors open & informal candidate meet-and-greet

• 7:00–8:00 PM – Candidate Forum

• 8:00–8:30 PM – Informal opportunity to visit with candidates

Can't attend in person? The forum will be livestreamed by Eagle Media.

All candidates have been invited to participate in the nonpartisan Vote411 Voter Guide, where they may submit a photo, biographical information, and answers to questions about the office they are seeking. Visit www.vote411.org, enter your address, select your preferred party (or All Parties), and click "Save & View Races" to access information about candidates appearing on your ballot. A link to the guide will also be available on the League of Women Voters and Great Bend Chamber websites.

Questions about voter registration, party affiliation, or Primary Election eligibility can be answered by the Barton County Clerk's Office or by visiting Vote411.org. Independent voters may choose either a Democratic or Republican primary ballot. Those who wish to remain unaffiliated may vote only on the proposed constitutional amendment regarding the selection of Kansas Supreme Court Justices.

This important civic event is made possible through the collaboration of the League of Women Voters of Great Bend–Barton County and its community partners: The City of Great Bend, the Great Bend Convention & Visitors Bureau, Eagle Media, and the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce.