The Aug. 7 primary is three weeks away but advance voting by mail starts today. And beginning next Tuesday, Johnson County residents can head to one of four sites for advance voting in person. Of course, the polls will be open on Aug. 7, too, but we in Joco love our option to vote in advance.

Today, 913 begins its comprehensive coverage of local elections. In this issue you’ll find a story about each contested Kansas Senate primary in Johnson County. Next week and Aug. 1, you’ll find stories about the Kansas House and county primaries.

Even more information can be found at The Star’s election website, midwestdemocracy.com. You’ll find news stories and blogs, biographical information about the candidates and a questionnaire the candidates were asked to answer.

All elections are important, but these Senate races are primaries with especially high stakes. All but one of the primaries in Johnson County this election are Republican.

While conservative Republicans have dominated the state House since the early 1990s, the Senate has remained in the hands of moderates. Conservative Republicans see this election as their opportunity to bring the Senate in line with the House to help conservative Gov. Brownback fully realize his vision for Kansas.

To vote by mail, complete an application and fax to 913-791-8931, 913-791-8932 or 913-791-8933 or mail it to Johnson County Election Office, 2101 E. Kansas City Road, Olathe, KS 66061. Applications are also available online at jocoelection.org at the election office and libraries. The application must be received at the election office before 5 p.m. on the Friday before the election.