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How to Vote in Kansas’ 2024 Elections

Posted on 08/09/24 by Michelle Tuccitto Sullo

En español

Important dates and election information

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    Last day to request an advance ballot: Tuesday, Oct. 29
    Deadline to return an advance ballot in person: Tuesday, Nov. 5
    Deadline to return an advance ballot via mail: Tuesday, Nov. 5 (postmarked); Friday, Nov. 8 (received)
    Last day of early voting: Monday, Nov. 4
    Election Day: Tuesday, Nov. 5

    Voting at a glance

    • Voter registration: The deadline to register to vote for the general election is Tuesday, Oct. 15. Visit the state’s VoterView portal to check your status.
    • Advance voting: All registered voters can request a no-excuse advance ballot by mail. 
    • Early voting: Kansas allows in-person early voting at county election offices or satellite voting locations up to 20 days before an election.
    • Voting at the polls: Polls are open from at least 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Exact hours may vary by county. Be sure to bring an approved photo ID

    What to know about recent changes

    Under a law passed in 2023, county election officers are prohibited from mailing a ballot to a voter unless that voter first submits an application for an advance voting ballot or has permanent advance voting ballot status.

    Also, in 2023 lawmakers adopted additional changes recommended by the secretary of state’s office regarding political parties and candidates. The secretary of state’s website outlines details.

    Voter registration

    Voter registration closes 21 days before an election, and an application must be postmarked on or before the deadline. The deadline to register to vote or update voter registration information for the general election is Tuesday, Oct. 15. To register:

    • In person: Register to vote or drop off an application at your local election office. 
    Americans Head To The Polls to Vote In The 2022 Midterm Elections.
    Voters cast their ballots at Heritage Hall in Topeka, Kan.
    Michael B. Thomas/Getty Images

    Registering to vote on Election Day

    Kansas law does not permit voter registration on Election Day.

    Check your voter registration status

    You can check your voter registration status using the state’s VoterView website.

    How to request an advance ballot

    Any registered voter can request an advance ballot. The secretary of state’s website has advance voting instructions online.

    • Online: Complete an application for an advance ballot by mail on the secretary of state’s website.
    • By mail: Print an advance ballot application and mail your completed application to the secretary of state’s office, along with your driver's license number or ID card number, or a copy of your photo ID. 

    Voters may call their local election office or go online to myvoteinfo.voteks.org to check the status of their advance by mail ballot application.

    Returning an advance ballot

     

    Voters can return advance ballots by mail or in person:

    • By mail: Completed ballots may be returned by mail, including by the U.S. postal service, FedEx, UPS or other mail carrier. Ballots must be postmarked on or before Election Day. 
    • In person: Take your completed ballot to your local elections office. Mail ballots can be returned to any advance in-person voting location during voting hours. 

    Ballots must be delivered or postmarked by 7 p.m. on Election Day. Mailed ballots must arrive by Friday, Nov. 8. Voters can track the status of their mail-in ballots online at myvoteinfo.voteks.org.

    Voting in person before Election Day

    Voters may vote in advance in person at county election offices or satellite voting locations up to 20 days before an election. For the general election, early in-person voting runs from Wednesday, Oct. 16, through noon on Monday, Nov. 4. Days may vary by county.

    Contact your elections office to confirm advance-voting dates, hours and locations for your county.

    Voting at the polls on Election Day

    Polling places must be open by 7 a.m. and remain open until at least 7 p.m. on Election Day. Counties may open polling locations as early as 6 a.m. and close as late as 8 p.m. Check your county election office for details. All voters who are in line when polls close will be permitted to vote.

    Find your polling place through the state’s VoterView site.

    Check the secretary of state’s website to view general election candidates for national and state offices. Check your county election sites for sample ballots, which will also be posted online at myvoteinfo.voteks.org.

    Voter ID requirements on Election Day

    Bring an approved photo ID when casting a ballot in person. Acceptable forms of ID include a driver’s license or state ID card, U.S. passport, tribal ID or concealed carry license. A complete list of acceptable IDs can be found on the state elections website. Voters 65 or older may use an expired photo ID.

    If you don’t have a valid ID, you’ll receive a provisional ballot, which will be set aside and counted once you submit photographic identification to your county.

    Voting with a disability

    Each polling place will have at least one voting machine with features to help voters with disabilities vote independently. Voters with disabilities may request assistance from a friend, family member or companion, or seek assistance from a worker at a polling location.

    Permanent advance-voting applications are available for people who have trouble voting in person due to permanent illness or disability. These voters can receive advance ballots by mail for all future elections. All polling places accommodate curbside voting. You may send someone to alert poll workers or follow curbside voting instructions displayed in the parking area to participate.

    Voting from a nursing home or long-term care facility

    Individuals living in a nursing home or long-term care facilities have the option of voting via an advance ballot by mail, and may pursue permanent status to get advance ballots by mail for all future elections. State law allows county election officials to arrange to administer ballots to facility residents.


    Editor’s note: This guide was first published on Jan. 31, 2024. It has been updated with new information about upcoming 2024 elections.

    Michelle Tuccitto Sullo is a contributing writer covering state and federal policy. She previously served as managing editor of the Hartford Business Journal in Connecticut and has also worked for the New Haven Register, Connecticut Law Tribune and New Haven Biz.

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