Politics & Government

Wife of Sedgwick County commissioner-elect charged with electioneering

An Eagle reader shot this picture of Meghan Blubaugh in line to vote with her husband, Jeff, a candidate for Sedgwick County Commission. State law bans wearing or distributing anything that identifies a candidate within 250 feet of a polling place.
An Eagle reader shot this picture of Meghan Blubaugh in line to vote with her husband, Jeff, a candidate for Sedgwick County Commission. State law bans wearing or distributing anything that identifies a candidate within 250 feet of a polling place. Courtesy image

Meghan Blubaugh, wife of Sedgwick County commissioner-elect Jeff Blubaugh, has been charged with electioneering, a misdemeanor crime in Kansas.

The charge stems from an Oct. 29 incident in which Meghan Blubaugh wore a T-shirt supporting her husband’s campaign while she was at an early voting location in west Wichita.

Kansas statute prohibits voters at polling sites from wearing any article of clothing that clearly identifies a candidate.

A photo sent to The Eagle from a reader showed Jeff Blubaugh in line with her. County officials confirmed earlier this month that an investigation was ongoing at the early voting location.

Jeff Blubaugh defeated incumbent commissioner Sarah Lopez for the District 2 seat earlier this month.

Meghan Blubaugh is scheduled to make a first appearance in court on Dec. 17.

This story was originally published November 19, 2024 at 9:56 PM.

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Kylie Cameron
The Wichita Eagle
Kylie Cameron covers local government for the Wichita Eagle. Cameron previously worked at KMUW, NPR for Wichita, and was editor in chief of The Sunflower, Wichita State’s student newspaper. News tips? Email kcameron@wichitaeagle.com.
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