Wichita, Kan. – The Kansas governor’s race is still undecided a week after the November 5 midterm elections. Democrat Cindy Holscher holds a narrow lead over Republican Ty Masterson, with a margin of roughly 7,000 votes, translating to 50.3% of the vote for Holscher and 49.7% for Masterson.
Audit process underway
Sedgwick County Elections Commissioner Laura Rainwater confirmed that the state’s directive requires an audit of the three closest races, including the governor’s contest. The audit is being conducted in 10% of precincts and focuses on provisional ballots, which are used when a voter does not meet all conditions at the polling place, such as lacking a photo ID.
“It’s really provisional ballots that will make the difference,” Rainwater said. She added that while the audit could shift totals by up to 1%, the 7,000‑vote gap is substantial, and she does not expect the overall result to change.
Next steps for certification
After the county canvass scheduled for Thursday, the state board of canvassers will certify the results on Monday, Nov. 16. Candidates have until 5 p.m. on Nov. 17 to request a recount if they remain dissatisfied with the outcome.
Other close races
The secretary of state race also remains tight, with Pat Proctor leading at 48.3% of the vote against Jennifer Day and Scott Morgan. Both races are subject to the same audit procedures, ensuring that the final tallies reflect every valid ballot.Many Kansans are eager for a definitive result, but officials stress the importance of a thorough verification process to maintain confidence in the electoral system.
Community response
Residents across Sedgwick County have expressed patience and a desire for transparency. “We’ve been waiting six days and want to see the machines proven accurate,” Rainwater noted, emphasizing the county’s commitment to election integrity.
Original reporting: KWCH 12 (Gray) – local — read the source article.
