The Aug. 2 primary will be here before long. And in Kansas, it’s critical for those wishing to vote to make sure their voter registration is up to date before that time.
Why? Because Kansas requires residents to register 21 days prior to a primary or election. That means those who want to vote in the primary must be registered on or before July 12.
For the general election, residents must register by Oct. 18. This can be done online at the Kansas Secretary of State’s website, sos.ks.gov/elections, which also provides more information.
Kansas has a closed primary system, meaning you have to declare yourself a member of a political party if you want to vote on Republican or Democratic ballots, and decide who will qualify for the general election in November. If you’re already affiliated with one party, you can’t switch parties at the polls.
Unaffiliated voters, however, can choose to join a political party at the polls to vote in their primary. Unaffiliated voters may also remain unaffiliated and still vote on ballot questions (like the abortion amendment) and non-partisan races.
You must be 18 years old by Election Day, a U.S. citizen and a resident of Kansas to be able to vote in the Kansas primary and general elections. However, you can still register if you are currently 17 but will turn 18 by Election Day.
Kansas polling places are open from at least 7 a.m.-7 p.m. on Election Day, August 2. Some counties may choose to open polls an hour earlier and keep them open an hour later. If you are in line at the time of closing, you have a right to cast a ballot — stay in line!
Find your polling place and sample ballot at the Secretary of State’s website.
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Do I need voter ID?
Yes. Photo identification is required in Kansas to vote in person, either in advance or on Election Day. (If you vote by mail, you will be asked to provide proof of acceptable ID when you apply for a ballot).
Kansas accepts the following forms of photo identification:
- Driver’s license or ID card issued by the state of Kansas or another state
- U.S. passport
- U.S. military ID
- ID card issued by a Native American tribe
- Employee badge or ID from a government agency
- Student ID card from an postsecondary Kansas school
- Concealed carry license issued
- Public assistance ID card
Statewide Election Dates
- Tuesday, July 12, 2022: Last Day to Register to Vote in Primary Election. You can register online here or in-person at your nearby election office, city hall or driver’s license location.
- Monday, July 11, 2022: Estimated iVoterGuide Release Date for Primary
- Thursday, July 14, 2022 – Monday, August 1, 2022: Early Voting for Primary Election
- Tuesday, August 2, 2022: Primary Election Day
- Tuesday, October 18, 2022: Last Day to Register to Vote in the General Election
- Wednesday, October 19, 2022 – Monday, November 7, 2022: Early Voting for General Election
- Tuesday, November 8, 2022: General Election Day
–Lee Hartman | Metro Voice
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