The Johnson County Election Office serves Merriam residents. It administers the election process throughout the county.
You may submit your voter registration online if you have a valid Kansas driver’s license or nondriver’s identification card. Voter registration forms are also available for pickup at Merriam City Hall. Voter registration closes 21 days prior to each election.
Review your voter record and view your sample ballot. Sample ballots are posted 20 days prior to election day.
Find your polling place for election day, request a mail-in ballot, or find in-person advance voting sites.
Although Merriam is one of the oldest communities in the area, it was unincorporated until the 1950. As the community's population increased, so did the need for a local form of government. On Oct. 28, 1950, area citizens petitioned the governor to become an incorporated city of the third class. Carl R. Engel, Sr. became the first mayor. On Jan. 18, 1957, Merriam became a city of the second class.
Today, the City operates under a non-partisan mayor / City Council form of government with the addition of a city administrator. The mayor is elected on an at-large basis and serves a four-year term. The eight councilmembers are elected by ward (two representing each of four wards) and serve four-year terms. An election for council members is held every odd-numbered year with one representative from each of the four wards chosen each election.
The city administrator is appointed by the mayor and City Council as the chief administrative officer of the city and is charged with the efficient and effective administration of the city.