Understanding election procedures is crucial for every citizen, especially knowing when and how to cast your vote. In Kansas, election schedules and polling hours are defined by state law, ensuring a structured process for both primary and general elections. Whether you’re a first-time voter or a seasoned participant, knowing the specifics about election timing in Kansas is essential.
In Kansas, primary elections for Democratic and Republican candidates are held on the first Tuesday in August of even-numbered years. General elections follow on the Tuesday after the first Monday in November. For municipal elections, which occur in odd-numbered years, the timing aligns with state law. It’s important to note that primary elections are less common in municipal jurisdictions due to different regulations. Minor party candidates bypass the primary process and are nominated at state party conventions, while independent candidates are nominated through petition.
Polling Hours in Kansas: When to Vote
Kansas law mandates that polling places must be open for at least 12 consecutive hours on election day, specifically from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. However, to accommodate varying voter schedules, counties have the flexibility to extend these hours, opening as early as 6:00 a.m. and closing as late as 8:00 p.m. According to K.S.A. 25-106, the minimum 12-hour window remains a constant. To ensure you have the most accurate information for your specific location, it’s always recommended to verify the exact polling hours with your local election officer in your county. Knowing the precise time your polling location is open ensures you can plan your vote effectively.
Registering to Vote in Kansas: Deadlines and Methods
Registering to vote is a fundamental step in participating in Kansas elections. For online registration, you’ll need a valid Kansas driver’s license or non-driver’s identification card. If you don’t have either of these, you must register using a paper application. It’s crucial to re-register whenever you change your name, address, or party affiliation to maintain an active voter status. After submitting your registration, allow sufficient processing time for your county election officer to confirm your registration or inform you of any further steps needed.
Register to Vote byPaper (English)
Register to Vote byPaper (Español)
Photo ID Requirements for Voting in Kansas
Kansas law requires voters to present photo identification when voting in person at polling locations or advance voting sites. Acceptable forms of photo ID include:
- Kansas or out-of-state Driver’s license or ID card
- U.S. Passport
- U.S. Military ID
- Tribal ID card issued by a Native American tribe
- Government employee badge or ID
- Student ID card from a Kansas accredited postsecondary education institution
- Kansas or out-of-state Concealed carry license
- Government-issued public assistance ID card
Certain exemptions from the photo ID requirement are available for permanent advance voters (due to illness or disabilities), military and overseas voters and their dependents, and voters with religious objections who complete a Declaration of Religious Objection (Form DRO). Voters aged 65 and older can use an expired photo ID for voting purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Photo ID
Advance Voting Options in Kansas: In Person and By Mail
Kansas offers advance voting options to provide flexibility for voters.
In-Person Advance Voting
Voters can vote in person before election day at county election offices or designated satellite locations, starting up to 20 days prior to an election. For the 2024 elections, in-person advance voting may begin on July 17 for the primary and October 16 for the general election. In-person advance voting concludes at 12:00 p.m. on August 5, 2024, for the primary and 12:00 p.m. November 4, 2024, for the general election. It’s always wise to check with your local election office to confirm the specific dates and locations for advance voting in your county. The Secretary of State’s office also provides this information leading up to each election in July and October. Photo identification is required for in-person advance voting. If a voter cannot provide valid photo ID, a provisional ballot may be issued, which will be validated upon submission of photo ID before the county canvass.
Voting by Mail
Voting by mail is another convenient advance voting method in Kansas. To vote by mail, you must complete an application for an advance ballot and include your Kansas driver’s license number or a copy of your photo ID. The application deadlines are July 30 for the 2024 primary and October 29 for the 2024 general election. Ballots will be mailed starting July 17 for the primary and October 16 for the general election. Crucially, mailed ballots MUST be postmarked on or before election day and received by the county election office by the end of business on the third business day following the election. Planning ahead and understanding these deadlines ensures your vote counts.
Advance VotingApplication (English)
Advance VotingApplication (Español)
Frequently Asked Questions About Advance Voting
Ensuring Voter Accessibility in Kansas Elections
Kansas is committed to making the election process accessible to all voters, as required by federal and state law. If you believe your voting rights have been violated, contact the Office of Secretary of State at 800-262-VOTE (8683).
- Ballot Accessibility: Every polling place is equipped with at least one HAVA-compliant, fully accessible voting machine, allowing voters with disabilities to vote privately and independently. Assistance is also available from a friend, family member, or polling place worker if needed.
- Polling Place Accessibility: Polling places are considered public accommodations and must adhere to accessibility standards, guided by the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) checklist. K.S.A. 25-2710 specifies accessibility requirements such as ramps, handrails, wheelchair-accessible booths, and doorways.
- Language Assistance: In counties where over five percent of voting-age residents are part of a single-language minority group and are not proficient in English, language assistance is provided. This includes translated materials and outreach. Currently, Finney, Ford, Grant, Haskell, and Seward Counties in Kansas offer this assistance.
Filing a HAVA Administrative Complaint in Kansas
For individuals who believe there has been a violation of Title III of HAVA (Help America Vote Act) in Kansas, an administrative complaint procedure is in place, as outlined in K.S.A. 25-4701 through 25-4716. Complaints must be submitted in writing, signed under oath, and use the official administrative complaint form. The deadline for filing a complaint is 30 days after the incident occurred. For ongoing or planned violations, file as soon as possible. Upon receipt, the Secretary of State will send a copy to the relevant election officer. Complaints against the Secretary of State are reviewed by the Kansas Department of Administration.
HAVA AdministrativeComplaint Form
Complaints should be mailed to:
Office of Secretary of State
Memorial Hall
120 SW 10th Ave.
Topeka, KS 66612-1594
