COVID-19: Election Information
ELECTIONS & COVID-19
COVID-19 has created an unprecedented situation requiring us to evaluate all scenarios for the upcoming elections. Our office is working closely with federal, state and local officials to monitor the situation and respond accordingly. Currently, there are no plans to delay or substantially change the process for the Tuesday, August 4, primary election. Any date changes to the November 3, general election will be made by the United States Congress. We recognize the COVID-19 situation is fluid and that election deadlines are approaching. In proceeding, there must be a balance in maintaining the security of elections and protecting the health and welfare of our citizens.
There are a handful of counties holding special elections this spring. Vendors have provided sanitation best practices to Kansas counties to ensure election equipment is properly sanitized. For county elections already underway, they will proceed as required by law. For county elections not yet started, the local governing body will determine how to proceed.
Kansas voters have multiple options to cast their ballot - advance in-person voting, election day in-person voting and advance mail ballot voting. Since 1996, advance voting by mail has been offered to all Kansas voters. Each of Kansas' 105 counties are equipped and experienced to handle increased numbers of advance mail ballots. Counties also have the ability to adjust the quantities of advance mail ballots based on demand.
Kansas voters may apply for an advance mail ballot online at: www.sos.ks.gov/forms//elections/AV1.pdf.
Although the candidate filing deadline is not until noon on June 1, we encourage candidates for elected office to be proactive in filing their candidacy documents due to the evolving impact of COVID-19. Candidate and election filings can be made by appointment by calling 785.296.4561.
Due to anticipated increase in demand for advance mail ballots, individuals are encouraged to register to vote and change their party affiliation prior to the respective deadlines. Voters must change their party affiliation by June 1. The deadline to register to vote is July 14. Doing so will make it easier for county election officers to process voter registration and party affiliation in an accurate and timely manner.
To register to vote online visit, https://www.kdor.ks.gov/Apps/VoterReg/Default.aspx