Some Frequently Asked Questions

What are the qualifications for voting in Kansas?

The qualifications are listed on the application form above the signature line. A person must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old and a resident of Kansas and the county in which they seek registration. If convicted of a felony and imprisoned for a year or more, the person must have been discharged from the penal system before registering or voting.

When is it necessary to re-register?

Registered voters must re-register if they change their places of residence or change their names. If they fail to do so, however, they may fill out cards and vote provisional ballots at the polling place on election day or at the County Clerk's office.

What if the registrant moved, but stayed in the same apartment complex?

A registered voter should re-register any time the voter changes address, even with the same complex, to remain qualified to vote in the next election. However, if the move was within the county, or if it was anywhere in the state within 30 days of the next election, the voter may update the registration records at the poll on election day and vote.

What if the applicant doesn't want to give a Social Security number?

The Social Security number is optional. It is useful for election officers in distinguishing between individuals with similar names, addresses and birth dates.

What if the applicant doesn't want to give a birth date?

The birth date is required by law. It is used to determine whether the applicant is qualified to vote.

What if the applicant doesn't want to affiliate with a party?

Party affiliation is optional. If the applicant does not indicate any party preference on the application form, that voter will be considered unaffiliated (sometimes referred to as independent). Unaffiliated voters cannot vote in partisan primary elections without first affiliating with a recognized political party.

What other ways are there for a person to register to vote?

A person may telephone, write or visit the county election officer to request an application form. Also, forms are available at the Secretary of State's office in Topeka, driver's license offices, local public assistance offices, military recruitment offices, first and second class city offices, and various other public facilities as designated by the county election officer.

Are there times when registration is closed?

Registration is open any business day. However, the registration books maintained by the county election officer are closed during the 14 days immediately preceding any election to allow time for preparation for the election. Any application submitted to the county election officer during that 14 day period will be processed after the elction, and that applicant is not qualified to vote in that election. Military personnel are not required to register. They should contact their commanding officer to obtain the proper form to request a military ballot.