Douglas County may have five commissioners in the near future, if voters decide to increase the number of districts in the November general election.

Commissioners unanimously decided Wednesday to direct the county counsel to draft ballot language that would propose an increase from three commissioners to five. 

County Clerk Jamie Shew and County Counselor John Bullock were at the meeting to answer any questions the public or commissioners might have. Shew explained the process of creating the ballot, and the subsequent redrawing of maps if the commission’s size is increased.

“The ballot language is actually pretty simple,” Shew said. “It is one simple question that says, ‘Shall the County Commission move from three to five districts?’ so it’s a pretty straightforward question that would be on the ballot.”

The commission can place the question on the Nov. 8 ballot by either passing a resolution or by having 5% or more of Douglas County voters sign a petition. This process must be complete by Sept. 1.

Shew said he would advise the commission against producing any possible maps before the election, as that’s a process that could occur after. The commission would need to adopt any new districts prior to Jan. 1.  

“There’s nothing that requires you to produce any maps prior to that election,” Shew said. “The maps don’t get drawn until after November. It is a pretty compressed timeline from November to January.”

Steven Crane, a resident of Clinton Township, shared his thoughts on the proposed ballot language with the commission, and thanked them for taking up this issue. 

“I’m just really appreciative you’re moving forward,” Crane said. 

Douglas County Sheriff Jay Armbrister said he wanted to make sure people understood the implications of this ballot, as 80% of the county population resides in Lawrence, according to recent Census data. He added that there will always be a potential for five Lawrence residents to be on the commission. 

“So, even if we broke this county up into 15 districts, every district would still touch the city of Lawrence somehow and in some way,” Armbrister said. 

Commissioner Shannon Reid said she’s heard many good points on why the commission size should increase from conversations with county residents. 

“I’m hopeful that the time between now and [the election] will involve a lot more robust public conversation about those nuances, education around what electoral processes look like, what running for office entails, and I think it’s an opportunity to do some really great voter education over what representation looks like and means,” Reid said. 

Reach reporter Abby Shepherd at [email protected]