(KNZA)--A local area Sheriff is offering gratitude for support shown at the polls Tuesday, keeping the office of County Sheriff an elected position.

That- one change that could have come if the Sheriff Amendment had been shot down.

Brown County Sheriff John Merchant sent a release Wednesday, which he says is on behalf of all of his fellow Sheriff- across the state of Kansas, in extending “thanks to the public that has shown their support for the office of Sheriff.”

Merchant, saying the amendment passed by a huge margin, adds that the defeat of the proposed changes “means more than you will ever know.”

Merchant and Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, prior to Tuesday- general election, issued statements asking voters to turn down the potential changes.

Passage means that Kansas counties will be prohibited from merging the Sheriff- Office with another existing, local law enforcement agency, or eliminating the Office of Sheriff altogether.