How to register to vote
In order to register to vote you must complete a voter registration application (Español). This form can be obtained at your county election office, the Secretary of State's office, or at various sites around the state. Some sites are required by law and others may be designated by the county election officer. These sites include many banks, grocery stores, libraries, city offices, and at public events such as county fairs.
You may also register to vote or change your registration information online with a valid Kansas driver's license.
The Kansas voter registration application also is used to update registration records, such as name changes, address changes, or party affiliation changes.
Note: Beginning January 1, 2013, new registrants in Kansas must submit proof of U.S. citizenship as part of the registration process.
How to complete the registration form
Read and carefully answer all required questions. Once the voter registration form has been completed and signed, you may return it by mail, by fax, or in person at your county election office. If you do not check the citizen box or provide your address and birth date the form will be rejected. If any other information is incomplete or illegible, you may receive a call from the county election office asking for more information.
The deadline to register to vote for any election is 21 days prior to that election. The registration deadlines for 2012 are July 17 for the primary election and October 16 for the general election. You may not change your party affiliation after that date. Applications postmarked by that day will be accepted and processed for that election. If the postmark is missing or illegible, the application will be accepted only if received in the election office by the ninth day before the election. Applications received during the 20-day period when registration is closed will not be valid for that election. These applications will be processed beginning the day after the election.
The county election office will mail you a certificate of registration after processing your application. It is important that you make sure the information on your certificate of registration is accurate. If any information is incorrect, contact your county election office.
How to update registration information
There are three ways to change your voter registration information:
- Change the information on your driver's license. This will automatically update your voter registration information unless you decline.
- Complete a new voter registration application and return it to the secretary of state's office or your county election office.
- If you have a Kansas driver's license, you may register or update your information online.
Are you moving within the same county? If you move to a new address within the same county you should update your information as soon as possible. If you move after the registration deadline you can still vote a complete ballot at the precinct assigned to your old address. When you go to vote you will be required to complete a new voter registration application.
Are you moving to a different county in Kansas? If you are moving to a different county in Kansas before the registration deadline you must complete a new voter registration application. If you move to a different county after the registration deadline you will need to vote at the precinct assigned to your old address. At that time you will be required to complete an affidavit of former precinct residence and a new voter registration application.
Are you moving to Kansas from a different state? If you move to Kansas and the deadline to register has not passed, you should register in order to vote a regular ballot. If you move to Kansas less than 45 days before an election and the deadline to register to vote has passed, you may vote a president-only ballot. Kansas law requires that you possess the qualifications of a Kansas elector, except for the residency requirement. You are not required to have been registered in the state of your previous address. To vote a president-only ballot, you must go to your county election office by noon the day before the general election and complete the required forms. You may then cast your ballot for president at the county election office.
How to conduct a voter registration drive
A person/organization wanting to conduct a voter registration drive may obtain a supply of voter registration applications and distribute them, but they should be mindful of laws governing distribution of applications and timely transmittal to the election office.