Navigating the election process can be complex, and understanding your rights and responsibilities as a voter is crucial. This guide provides Republican voters in Kansas with essential information about elections, ensuring you are informed and ready to participate in every election.
Key Election Dates in Kansas
In Kansas, primary elections for Republican and Democratic candidates are held on the first Tuesday in August of even-numbered years. The general election follows on the Tuesday after the first Monday in November. Municipal elections, while separate, occur at the same time in odd-numbered years, though primary elections are less common in these local races. Minor party candidates bypass the primary system and are nominated at state party conventions, while independent candidates must file by petition to appear on the ballot.
Kansas law dictates that polling places must be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on election day. However, counties have the option to extend these hours, opening as early as 6:00 a.m. and closing as late as 8:00 p.m. Regardless of county-specific hours, polling locations are mandated to be open for at least 12 consecutive hours, as per K.S.A. 25-106. It’s always best to confirm the exact polling hours in your county with your local election official to ensure you can cast your vote without any issues.
Registering to Vote: Your First Step to Participation
Registering to vote is a fundamental right and responsibility. In Kansas, the process is straightforward. For online registration, you’ll need a valid Kansas driver’s license or non-driver’s identification card. If you do not possess either of these, you can still register using a paper application.
It’s important to remember to re-register whenever you change your name, address, or party affiliation. This ensures your voter information is always up-to-date. After you submit your registration, allow some processing time. Your county election officer will then 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)
Understanding Photo ID Requirements for Voting
Ensuring election integrity is a key concern for many Republican voters, and Kansas law addresses this through photo ID requirements. When voting in person, Kansas voters are required to present photographic identification. 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 from a recognized Native American tribe
- Government-issued employee badge or ID
- Student ID from an accredited Kansas postsecondary institution
- Kansas or out-of-state Concealed carry license
- Government-issued public assistance ID card
While photo ID is generally required, exemptions are available for certain voters, including permanent advance voters (due to illness or disability), 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Photo ID
Advance Voting Options: In-Person and By Mail
Kansas offers convenient advance voting options, both in-person and by mail, to accommodate different voter needs and schedules.
In-Person Advance Voting
In-person advance voting in Kansas begins up to 20 days before an election at county election offices and designated satellite locations. For the 2024 elections, in-person advance voting starts on July 17 for the primary and October 16 for the general election. The in-person advance voting period concludes at 12:00 p.m. on August 5, 2024, for the primary and November 4, 2024, for the general election. It’s recommended to verify the specific dates and locations for advance voting with your local county election office, although the Secretary of State’s office will also publish this information closer to each election.
Voters participating in in-person advance voting at a county election office or satellite location must also present photographic identification. If a voter cannot provide valid photo ID, a provisional ballot may be issued. For a provisional ballot to be counted, the voter must submit their photo ID before the county canvass.
Voting by Mail
Voting by mail is another accessible option in Kansas. To vote by mail, you must first complete an application for an advance ballot. This application requires you to include your Kansas driver’s license number or attach a copy of your photo identification. The deadline to submit your advance voting application is July 30 for the 2024 primary and October 29 for the 2024 general election. Ballots will be mailed to applicants starting July 17 for the primary and October 16 for the general election. Crucially, all mail-in ballots MUST be postmarked on or before election day and must be received by 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 for All
Accessibility in elections is a priority, ensuring every eligible voter can exercise their right to vote. Both federal and state laws mandate that the election process be accessible to all citizens. If you believe your voting rights have been violated or compromised, you can contact the Office of Secretary of State at 800-262-VOTE (8683).
- Ballot Accessibility: Every polling place is required to have at least one fully accessible, HAVA-compliant voting machine. This allows voters with disabilities to vote privately and independently. Voters who need assistance can request help from a friend, family member, companion, or a poll worker.
- Polling Place Accessibility: Polling places are considered public accommodations and must be accessible to all voters. The federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) checklist is used to assess and ensure accessibility. Kansas law K.S.A. 25-2710 sets specific accessibility standards for polling places, including requirements for ramps, handrails, wheelchair-accessible voting 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, alternative language assistance is provided. This includes printed materials and outreach in the relevant language. Currently, five Kansas counties—Finney, Ford, Grant, Haskell, and Seward—are required to provide this language assistance.
Filing a HAVA Administrative Complaint
The Help America Vote Act (HAVA) is crucial for ensuring fair and accessible elections. Kansas law K.S.A. 25-4701 through 25-4716 outlines the procedure for filing an administrative complaint if you believe there has been a violation of Title III of HAVA in Kansas.
To file a complaint, it must be submitted in writing, signed under oath, and use the official administrative complaint form. The complaint must be filed within 30 days of the incident. For ongoing or planned violations, it should be filed as soon as possible. Upon receiving a complaint, the Secretary of State will send a copy to the relevant state or local election officer. If the complaint is against the Secretary of State, it will be directed to the Kansas Department of Administration for review.
HAVA Administrative Complaint Form
Complaints should be mailed to:
Office of Secretary of State
Memorial Hall
120 SW 10th Ave.
Topeka, KS 66612-1594
This guide is intended to provide Republican voters in Kansas with a clear understanding of the election process. By staying informed and prepared, you can confidently exercise your right to vote and contribute to the democratic process in Kansas.
