Change Address

VOTE411 Voter Guide

Kansas House of Representatives, District 051

The Kansas House of Representatives is the lower house of the legislature of the U.S. state of Kansas. Composed of 125 state representatives from districts with roughly equal populations of at least 19,000, its members are responsible for crafting and voting on legislation, helping to create a state budget, and legislative oversight over state agencies.

Click a candidate icon to find more information about the candidate. To compare two candidates, click the "compare" button. To start over, click a candidate icon.

  • Candidate picture

    Linda Morse
    (Dem)

  • Candidate picture

    Megan D. Steele
    (Rep)

Biographical Information

What makes you the best candidate for this position? What skills, expertise, or competencies qualify you?

What are Kansas's three most important issues, and how do you intend to address them?

How would you make it easier for Kansas citizens to follow bills as they flow through the legislature? What, if any, changes would you propose in the “Gut and Go” process?

Would you support changes to Kansas election laws and voting systems? Why?

Ballot City Manhattan
Campaign Phone 7853135612
Campaign Address 2118 Spain Dr
Personal Biography Linda is a Kansas native. She is a widow and the proud mother of two adult sons, both graduates of Luckey High School.
Education Hayden High School, graduated 1964; graduated from Arkansas Valley Vocational Technical School; attended Washburn University.
Community/Public Service Linda has a long history of public service in the community and region. She was elected to the Manhattan City Commission twice and served as mayor in 2015 and 2022. Linda was employed by and retired from K-State. She served for 28 years as the Registrar for distance education and non-credit programs. Since leaving the city commission in January, 2024, Linda continues to serve as chair of the 18-county Area Agency on Aging (AAA) Board of Directors.
I believe in the people of Kansas – their abilities, their hard work ethic, and their dedication to family and community. I served as a nonpartisan city commissioner & mayor for nine years. I worked hard to bring people together to serve the community on the city commission and the many boards and committees. I listen to everyone and talk to constituents about the issues that are important to them. I do my best to make decisions based on the best solutions. I have been meeting with people in the 51st District in each county, just as I have taken time over the years to meet and listen to people of all walks of life. During this campaign I have traveled the district to visit with citizens to learn what is important to them.
I have three key issues which are focused on healthy Kansas families, a strong public education system, and fiscal responsibility. The Legislature should hold hearings and allow the elected representatives to actually vote on issues.

HEALTHY FAMILIES *Expand Medicaid for families and veterans *Maintain full and complete women’s healthcare *Provide available, affordable, quality childcare and eldercare.

EDUCATION *Preserve school funding including Special Ed *Attract and retain professional educators and support staff *Prepare students for success in future school and work

FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY *Deliver property tax relief *Keep Kansas solvent now and in the future. No flat tax. *Reduce wasteful spending ($2.3m presidential primary).

Greater transparency is needed. The Legislature should obtain bill-tracking software to better show legislation status to the public. No midnight meetings out of the public purview. Sponsoring legislator's name(s) should be noted on the bill. "Gut and Go" has proven to be manipulative and confusing to legislators and the public. It should be eliminated in the interests of greater transparency.
Changes to election laws and voting systems should be well-thought-out. It appears some legislation around the country is designed to manipulate the processes (such as eliminating drop boxes and reducing the number of days for a ballot to be returned). Our postal service is not as reliable as it once was. Thankfully, the League of Women Voters was able to correct some poor legislation by going to court, but that should not be necessary.
Campaign Web Site http://www.megandsteele.com
Campaign Phone 4057147835
Campaign Address 8736 Eagle Feather Drive
Personal Biography Megan is a wife, mother, nurse, and educator. She holds a PhD in Nursing and has been a nurse for over 18 years. Megan has spent the past 10 years in education. She is passionate about children and ensuring they receive a quality and rigorous education. Megan is a strong advocate for lower taxes, better local and state infrastructure, and mental healthcare access for all Kansans.
Education Associate Degree in Nursing - Central Community College (Columbus, NE); Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Oklahoma Panhandle State University (Goodwell, OK); Master of Science in Nursing - Northeastern State University (Tahlequah, OK), PhD in Nursing - University of Texas Medical Branch (Galveston, TX)
Community/Public Service Jefferson County Planning and Zoning Committee, Meriden City Councilwoman, Volunteer - Flint Hills Christian School, Volunteer - Manhattan Church of Christ
Candidate has not yet responded.
Education. Healthcare. Taxes. We need to increase our educational standards and can do so by increasing competition through parental choice and tax credit/vouchers. Our rural areas need better access to mental and medical healthcare services. We must increase providers in rural areas and decrease regulator burdens our providers face. Tax are too high. We must decrease taxes, decrease spending, and hold all agencies accountable for their budgets.
Kansas citizens, as well as Representatives and Senators, must have time to read, ask questions, seek advice, and gather information before any vote should be taken. I do not support the "gut and go" process. We must ensure we are passing legislation that is truly beneficial for all Kansans.
We must ensure our elections are secure. I would support eliminating the electronic voting machines and returning to paper ballot. All mail in ballots must be received on election day or they do not count.