How to Vote in the Kansas 2022 Elections

En español | Kansas’s Aug. 2 primary will determine which candidates appear on November’s general election ballot for U.S. Senate, U.S. House, governor and some other statewide races.

What's new this year?

Redrawn congressional and state legislative districts may change which candidates appear on your ballot.

Essential info:

• Advance ballot voting: All registered voters can request a no-excuse advance ballot and vote from home in August’s primary and November’s general election.

• Early in-person voting: All counties must offer early in-person voting at their election offices starting July 26 for the primaries and Nov. 1 for the general.

• In-person voting on Election Day: The state’s primary is Tuesday, Aug. 2; the general election is Tuesday, Nov. 8. Polls will be open from at least 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., though exact hours may vary by county.

How do I register to vote?

• Online: Visit the state’s elections website to register online. You'll need a valid Kansas driver’s license or state identification card. Register by July 12 to vote in the primary and by Oct. 18 to vote in the general.

• By mail: Print and complete an application form, or contact your county elections office and ask to receive one by mail. You’ll be asked for your driver’s license or state ID number, or the last four digits of your Social Security number. Mail completed forms to your county elections office. Forms must be postmarked by July 12 to vote in the primary and by Oct. 18 to vote in the general.

• In person: Register to vote or drop off an application at your local election office. Register by July 12 to vote in the primary and by Oct. 18 to vote in the general.

Check your registration status through the state’s voter information portal.

Does my party affiliation matter when I vote in the primaries?

Yes. You can only vote in the primary for the party with which you’re affiliated. Unaffiliated voters can declare a party affiliation on primary election day and vote in that party’s primary. If you’re a registered voter who wants to update your party affiliation, you’ll need to submit a new voter registration application. Registered Republicans and Democrats cannot switch their party affiliation after June 1 and still vote in the primaries.

Note that this year all registered voters, regardless of party or affiliation,
can cast a primary vote for HCR 5003, a constitutional amendment on abortion rights, also known as the "Value Them Both Amendment."

How can I get an advance voting ballot? What are the important deadlines?

Any registered voter can request an advance ballot — known as an absentee ballot in other states — and vote from home in the August primary and November general election. Apply by mail or in person. Applications must be received by July 26 to vote in the primary and by Nov. 1 to vote in the general.

• By mail:  Print an advance ballot application and mail it to the secretary of state’s office. You can also email your advance ballot application to election@ks.gov or fax it to local elections office.

• In person: Visit your local elections office to pick up or return a completed application.

How do I return my advance ballot?

• By mail: Mail your completed ballot to your local elections office. Ballots must be postmarked on or before Election Day and must be received by elections officials by Aug. 5 to count in the primary and by Nov. 11 to count in the general.

• In person: Take your completed ballot to your local elections office. Some jurisdictions also offer secure ballot drop boxes. Ballots must be delivered by 7 p.m. on Election Day.
  

Use the state’s Voter View website to track the status of your ballot.

Can I vote in person before Election Day?

Yes. Early in person voting must begin July 26 and end on Aug. 1 for the primary; Nov. 1 through Nov. 7 for the general. However, counties may opt to offer early in person voting starting July 13 for the primary and Oct. 19 for the general. Contact your local elections office for hours and satellite locations.

When is Election Day? When are polls open?

The primary election is Tuesday, Aug. 2. The general election is Tuesday, Nov. 8.  Polls generally are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., but counties may open their polling stations as early as 6:00 a.m. and close as late as 8:00 p.m. Find your polling place and hours through the state’s Voter View site.

Are resources available for people with disabilities?

Yes. Permanent advance voting applications are available for people with permanent illnesses or disabilities. These voters will receive advance ballots by mail for all future elections.

The Kansas Secretary of State requires all polling places to accommodate curbside voting. If you need to vote from your vehicle in the parking lot of your polling place, send someone in to alert the poll workers or follow curbside voting instructions displayed in the parking area.

Do I need identification to vote?

Yes. Acceptable forms of ID include a driver’s license or state ID card, U.S. passport, tribal ID or concealed carry license. A full list of acceptable IDs can be found on the Secretary of State’s website.

Voters 65 and older can use an expired photo ID.

If you don’t have a valid ID while voting in person you’ll receive a provisional ballot. Provisional ballots are set aside from other ballots and their validity is later determined by the county canvassing board.

What races are on the ballot?

• Governor
• U.S. Senate: One seat, currently held by Sen. Jerry Moran (R)
• U.S. House: All four seats
• State House: All 125 seats
• Lt. governor
• Treasurer
• Attorney general and other statewide offices
• HCR 5003 (also known as "Value Them Both," the measure will appear on primary ballots and is a constitutional amendment on abortion rights)

Editor’s note: This guide was updated on June 8 with information about how to vote in 2022. The guide was first published on Aug. 18, 2020.

Also of Interest:

• Follow AARP's political coverage at aarp.org/elections
• Keep up with local events and AARP advocacy efforts at aarp.org/kansas