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.

On March 19th, we have our presidential preference primary! While this election is a little different to the primaries you might be used to, the process of voting should feel familiar!

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 February 20th in order to cast your ballot in the March 19th primary election! 

This year, there are only two party primaries: Democrat primary and Republican primary. You may only vote the party’s primary that you are affiliated with. It is important to make sure your party affiliation is updated on your voter registration primary, so that you can vote in your preferred primary election.

The best bet for unaffiliated voters who would like to participate is to affiliate with a party by February 20th. Unaffiliated voters may also declare a party at their polling location on Election Day!

Register to Vote Online

If you will be 18 years old by election day (3/19) 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 Feb. 20!

CONSIDER VOTING BY MAIL

It’s free, easy, and safe to vote by mail in Kansas! For this unique election, that very likely happens during your Spring Break, voting by mail is a great way to make sure you participate. 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. 

Request a mail-in ballot       Vote By Mail FAQ

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!) THERE IS NO THREE DAY GRACE PERIOD FOR THIS ELECTION! So, mailing your ballot back with plenty of time is essential.
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:

  1. If the polls close while you’re still in line, stay in line – you have the right to vote.
  2. If you make a mistake on your ballot, ask for a new one.
  3. If the machines are down at your polling place, ask for a paper ballot.
  4. Request a provisional ballot if a poll worker says your name is not on the list of registered voters.

Know Your Rights as a Trans Voter

Your Election Office
Election Timeline
Register to Vote