Understanding voting procedures is crucial for every eligible citizen, and knowing the correct times and deadlines is part of that responsibility. When it comes to participating in elections in Kansas, it’s essential to be aware of not just registration and ID requirements, but also the specific times you can cast your ballot. So, if you’re asking “what time is it in Kansas?” in the context of voting, you’re in the right place. This guide will provide you with detailed information about polling hours, election dates, and everything you need to know to make your voice heard in Kansas elections.
Kansas Election Timing: Primary and General Elections
In Kansas, election timing follows a set schedule defined by state law. This schedule includes primary and general elections, as well as municipal elections. Understanding these dates is the first step in planning your participation.
For primary elections, which are for Democratic and Republican candidates, Kansas holds these on the first Tuesday in August of even-numbered years.
The general election then takes place on the Tuesday following the first Monday in November. This is consistent with federal election timing across the United States.
Municipal elections in Kansas are scheduled for odd-numbered years and are held at the same time as the general elections in even-numbered years. It’s important to note that primary elections for municipal positions are less common, as the rules differ from state-level primaries. Minor party candidates are nominated at state party conventions instead of primaries, and independent candidates can file by petition.
Polling Place Hours: When to Vote in Kansas
Knowing “What Time It Is In Kansas” on election day is directly relevant to polling hours. State law mandates that polling places must open at 7:00 a.m. and close at 7:00 p.m. on election day. This provides a standard 12-hour window for in-person voting across the state.
However, Kansas law also allows for some flexibility at the county level. Counties have the option to open polling locations as early as 6:00 a.m. and close as late as 8:00 p.m. Regardless of these potential extended hours, state law requires that all polling locations must be open for a minimum of 12 consecutive hours.
To ensure you have the most accurate information for your specific location, it is always recommended to verify the operating hours in your county with your local election officer. This is especially important as county election officials manage the specific logistics of elections within their jurisdictions.
Registering to Vote in Kansas: Get Ready to Vote on Time
Being registered to vote is the first critical step to participate in Kansas elections within the designated times. Kansas offers convenient online voter registration for those with a valid Kansas driver’s license or non-driver’s identification card.
To register to vote online, you must have this form of Kansas identification. If you do not, you will need to register using a paper application.
It is crucial to remember that you MUST re-register every time you change your name, address, or party affiliation. Allow sufficient time for your registration to be processed. Once your application is complete, your county election officer will confirm your registration status or inform you if any further action is needed.
Register to Vote by Paper (English)
Register to Vote by Paper (Español)
Photo ID Requirements: Be Prepared When You Vote
Kansas law requires voters to present photographic identification when voting in person at polling locations or advance voting sites. This is an important aspect of election integrity and something to be aware of when planning to vote within polling hours.
Acceptable forms of photo ID in Kansas include:
- Driver’s license or ID card issued by Kansas or another state
- U.S. Passport
- U.S. Military ID
- ID card issued by a Native American tribe
- Employee badge or ID issued by a government office
- Student ID card from an accredited postsecondary education institution in Kansas
- Concealed carry license issued by Kansas or another state
- Public assistance ID card issued by a government office
There are exemptions to the photo ID requirement for certain voters, including:
- Permanent advance voters (due to illness or disabilities)
- Military and overseas voters, their spouses, and dependents
- Voters with religious objections who complete a Declaration of Religious Objection (Form DRO)
- Voters age 65 or older (expired photo ID is acceptable)
Frequently Asked Questions About Photo ID
Advance Voting Options: Voting Before Election Day
For those who may find it difficult to vote during standard polling hours on election day, Kansas offers advance voting options, both in person and by mail. This allows eligible voters to cast their ballots at a time that is more convenient for them, while still adhering to important deadlines.
In-Person Advance Voting
Kansas voters can vote in person at county election offices or designated satellite voting locations starting up to 20 days before an election.
For the 2024 primary election, in-person advance voting may begin as early as July 17. For the 2024 general election, it may start around October 16. It’s crucial to confirm these dates with your local election office as they can vary slightly.
The deadline for in-person advance voting is 12:00 p.m. on the Monday before election day. For the 2024 elections, this is August 5, 2024 for the primary and November 4, 2024 for the general election.
Remember to bring your photo ID when voting in person at an advance voting location. If you do not provide valid photo ID, you may be issued a provisional ballot, which will require you to submit your photo ID before the county canvass to be counted.
Voting by Mail
Voting by mail is another convenient advance voting method in Kansas. To vote by mail, you must first complete an application for an advance ballot. This application requires you to include your driver’s license number or a copy of your photo identification.
The deadline to submit your advance voting application to your county election official is July 30 for the 2024 primary election and October 29 for the 2024 general election.
Ballots will be mailed to applicants starting July 17 for the 2024 primary and October 16 for the 2024 general election.
Important deadlines for mail-in ballots:
- Ballots MUST be postmarked on or before election day.
- Ballots must be received in the county election office by the close of business on the third business day following the election.
Advance Voting Application (English)
Advance Voting Application (Español)
Frequently Asked Questions About Advance Voting
Ensuring Voter Accessibility
Kansas is committed to ensuring that the election process is accessible to all voters, regardless of disability or language barriers.
Ballot Accessibility: Every polling place in Kansas is required to have at least one HAVA compliant voting machine that is fully accessible, allowing voters with disabilities to vote privately and independently. Voters with disabilities can also request assistance from poll workers or someone of their choice.
Polling Place Accessibility: Polling places are considered public accommodations and must meet accessibility standards under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Kansas law (K.S.A. 25-2710) further specifies accessibility requirements, including ramps, handrails, wheelchair-accessible voting booths, and doorways.
Language Assistance: In counties where more than 5% of voting-age residents are part of a single-language minority group and do not speak English proficiently, alternative language assistance is provided. This includes translated printed materials and language outreach. Currently, five Kansas counties offer this assistance: Finney, Ford, Grant, Haskell, and Seward Counties.
Filing a HAVA Complaint
If you believe your voting rights have been violated or compromised in Kansas, you have the right to file a complaint. The Help America Vote Act (HAVA) provides a process for administrative complaints regarding Title III of HAVA violations.
To file a complaint:
- The complaint must be in writing and signed under oath.
- Use the official administrative complaint form.
- File the complaint within 30 days of the incident. For ongoing issues, file as soon as possible.
Upon receiving a complaint, the Secretary of State will send a copy to the relevant state or local election officer. Complaints against the Secretary of State are reviewed by the Kansas Department of Administration.
HAVA Administrative Complaint Form
Complaints should be mailed to:
Office of Secretary of State
Memorial Hall
120 SW 10th Ave.
Topeka, KS 66612-1594
By understanding “what time it is in Kansas” in relation to election dates, polling hours, and voting deadlines, you can be fully prepared to participate in Kansas elections. Make sure to register, know your voting options, and exercise your right to vote!
