Elections 101
HOW TO VOTE
We get it. Voting can be intimidating. Where? How? When? We’ve got all the information you need to cast your ballot confidently, whether it’s your first time or fortieth.
This page was last updated for the November 7, 2023 election. This info is still accurate regarding the process, but official dates and deadlines will be updated soon.
Here’s everything you need to know to vote in Kansas…
- REGISTER TO VOTE
This is arguably the MOST important deadline. If you don’t register to vote in time, you cannot vote!! You MUST register to vote by October 17 in order to cast your ballot in the November 7th election! If you registered for the primary election, you do NOT need to re-register to vote in the November election.
If you will be 18 years old by election day (11/7) you should register to vote! You do not need to be 18 to register, you just have to be 18 by election day.
Even if you think you’re already registered to vote, double check your registration here to ensure its updated. If you have moved or changed your name, you need to update your registration before October 17!
- CONSIDER VOTING BY MAIL
It’s free, easy, and safe to vote by mail in Kansas! Any voter in Kansas can choose to vote by mail, no reason needed. You just need to request a mail-in ballot before each election.
We love voting by mail because you have time to go over your ballot and are able to return it on your schedule. When you get your ballot, mail it back (right away is best), take it to your dropbox location/an early voting site, or take it to your polling place on Election day.
- UNDERSTAND YOUR BALLOT
Skip the google search and get right to the information you need about your ballot using the free, nonpartisan voter guides at KSBallot.org and VOTE411.org.
At KSBallot.org, you can enter your address to see what races and issues are on your ballot, research your candidates, find out where to vote early and on election day, and set reminders to vote.
The League of Women Voters’ VOTE411.org is another one-stop shop for nonpartisan election info, both general and state-specific. Here you find look up your polling place, see your candidates, and find great in-depth candidate information through their candidate surveys!
KSBALLOT WILL BE LIVE 30 DAYS BEFORE ELECTION DAY!
- VOTE, EARLY OR ON ELECTION DAY
Voting by mail? If you ordered a mail-in ballot, you can vote as soon as you get it!
Mail it back (do it right away!)
Take it to a dropbox location. Find one close to you at KSBallot.org.
Take it to a polling location, either early or on election day (see below.)Voting in person, early? Skip the lines and vote before election day! Early voting locations will open by October 18 in many places. Check for locations and dates at KSBallot.org.
Voting on Election Day? Want to vote on the day itself? Polls will open at 7 am on November 7, 2023 in most of Kansas. Find out where your polling location is at KSBallot.org.
- KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
For help at the polls, call the non-partisan Election Protection Hotline at 1-866-OUR-VOTE. Para obtener ayuda en sitios de votación, llame a la Línea de Protección Electoral no partidista al 1-888-VE-Y-VOTA.
A few biggies to remember:
- If the polls close while you’re still in line, stay in line – you have the right to vote.
- If you make a mistake on your ballot, ask for a new one.
- If the machines are down at your polling place, ask for a paper ballot.
- Request a provisional ballot if a poll worker says your name is not on the list of registered voters.