Kent County Election Commission approves candidate lists and contingent printing of Aug. 4 primary ballots

The Kent County Election Commission voted unanimously June 2 to approve candidate lists and precinct-delegate slates and to authorize printing of ballots for the Aug. 4, 2026, primary, contingent on state approvals and an official call to election.

Lisa Posthumus Lyons, Kent County clerk and register of deeds, told the commission she wanted a duplicate listing for Chris Swanson removed from the candidate and proposals list and said Kim Thomas had been added to the gubernatorial contest but was disqualified by the State Board of Canvassers. Peter MacGregor, county treasurer, moved to approve the candidate and proposals list as amended; Judge Avery Rose seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

MacGregor also moved — and Lyons seconded — approval of the Democratic and Republican precinct delegate candidate lists; that motion passed unanimously. Elections Director Mike Sullivan gave a brief overview of the ballot proofing process and the commission discussed the need for conditional approval from the state Bureau of Elections before ballots can be produced.

Lyons told the commission the state must place any proposal on the ballot by June 5; after that deadline the state will issue the official call for the election. The commission approved a motion, moved by MacGregor and seconded by Judge Rose, to authorize ballot printing only after the county receives conditional approval of the proofs from the state Bureau of Elections, the June 5 proposal deadline has passed, and the official state call to election is received. The motion carried unanimously.

There were no public comments. With no further business, Lyons moved to adjourn, Judge Rose seconded, and the commission adjourned at 10:36 A.M.