Last updated on June 28, 2018
The constitutional right to vote is the heart of our democracy and system of governance. The right to vote is the vehicle through which a citizen has a voice in selecting and holding accountable those in power. We should make it easier, not harder, for all eligible Kansans to vote.
However, Kansas has been the epicenter of efforts to undermine the right to vote for years. More recently, elections officials and state lawmakers have created new voting restrictions or neglected to eliminated existing barriers, and it is difficult for eligible citizens to have their voice heard throughout the process, from registering to vote, to casting a ballot. Many rules preventing access for some voters are not only unnecessary for the electoral process, but are grounded in a history of racist and classist disenfranchisement. This undermines the fundamental right to vote rather than honoring and supporting it for all voters, regardless of political leaning.
There are a number of ways to remove barriers and improve access for all eligible voters throughout the voting process, from registering, to casting a ballot, to ensuring that every ballot counts. Between working, caring for families, and other responsibilities, local election officials in Kansas have the authority under state election law to maximize opportunities to protect the right to vote and maximize turnout -- yet many don't. You can sign up to join us and increase access to democracy in your local community here.
Kansas counties with the longest early voting periods tend to have the highest turnout – there is a clear connection between early voting and voter participation. Kansas law allows early in-person voting to begin 20 days before Election Day, but local elections officials decide to varying degree how much to take advantage of that. Communities with only one voting location require some voters to travel considerable distance to vote early, undermining the convenience of voting early in the first place. This means that an individual’s access to vote depends on their zip code and county. By expanding the number of early voting locations and the number of early voting hours to include the full 20 day period before Election Day, weekends, and hours outside of 8 am to 5 pm, election officials can ensure that busy Kansans can have increased access to take advantage of early voting.
For many eligible Kansas voters, there are signifcant physical barriers for them get to a poll or cast a ballot. County election officials can ensure accessibility and equity by: