What to know about voting on Election Day for Kansas primary races, abortion constitutional amendment
Kansas voters are heading to the polls to weigh in on a major proposed amendment to the Kansas Constitution regarding abortion, as well as a host of partisan primary races up and down the ticket.
The highest profile vote is on the abortion constitutional amendment, which, if passed, would clarify the state constitution doesn't confer the right to an abortion. Proponents believe it is necessary to restore regulations struck down by the courts, while opponents think it will lead to a near-total ban on the practice in Kansas.
All registered voters, including unaffiliated Kansans, will be able to vote on the constitutional amendment issue.
More: Kansas sees surge of interest in anti-abortion amendment after Roe is overturned
On the partisan primary front, Republican voters will be choosing between former Secretary of State Kris Kobach, Sen. Kellie Warren and former federal prosecutor Tony Mattivi to run against Democrat Chris Mann in the general election.
There is also a competitive Republican primary for state treasurer, with Sen. Caryn Tyson and Rep. Steven Johnson facing off for the right to take on incumbent Democrat Lynn Rogers in the fall.
Secretary of State Scott Schwab, meanwhile, earned a primary challenge from conservative Mike Brown.
More: In GOP primary for Kansas treasurer, Caryn Tyson and Steven Johnson tout legislative experience
And for Democrats, there is a six-way primary to select a candidate to run against U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran in November. And voters of both parties have contested Kansas House primaries across the state.
Early voting is underway, but here is what to know if you're planning on voting on Aug. 2.
When do polls open in Kansas?
Polls are generally open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time in Kansas. These are the hours used in Shawnee County, though polls open at 6 a.m. in at least one county, Sedgwick County.
7 p.m. on Election Day also marks the deadline for advanced mail ballots to be postmarked or dropped off at a county elections office or polling place. Mail ballots can be received by mail until Friday, Aug. 5, at the elections office, provided they are postmarked by 7 p.m. on Election Day.
More: Kansas governor's race between Laura Kelly, Derek Schmidt already likely to be most expensive ever
Where do I vote in Kansas?
Kansans can find their polling place in the Kansas secretary of state's VoterView portal by inputting their name and date of birth.
What do I need to vote in Kansas?
State law requires voters show a picture ID in order to vote, such as a drivers' license, passport, tribal ID or conceal carry permit. A full list of acceptable IDs for voting purposes can be found on the Kansas Secretary of State's website.
Each polling place is required by law to have at least one machine that allows voters with disabilities to vote independently. And Finney, Ford, Grant and Seward counties are required to offer Spanish language voter assistance.
More: Topeka House District 55 will have new representative for first time since 1997
What is a provisional ballot?
If a poll worker has questions about a voter's eligibility, they may be asked to fill out a provisional ballot, or a ballot that will be set aside and only counted if the issue is addressed.
Common reasons a provisional ballot are required include forgetting a photo ID, a registered voter changing their name or address within a county and failing to re-register or a person is listed as an advanced mail voter.
The ballot is placed in a sealed envelope to be considered by the board of canvassers after Election Day. If a voter forgets their ID, they can provide proof of identification to their local election office to ensure their vote will count.
More: Secretary of State Scott Schwab broke open records law in provisional ballot data request: Court
What if I requested an advanced mail ballot and haven't returned it?
If you requested an advanced mail ballot but still have it sitting on your kitchen counter, you have options.
Voters can return their mail ballot to a drop box in their county or return it to their polling place or county elections office. If a voter requests a mail ballot but elects to forgo it in favor of voting in person, they will be required to cast a provisional ballot to confirm they only voted once.
What can I wear to the polling place?
Voters are banned by statute from "wearing, exhibiting or distributing labels, signs, posters, stickers or other materials that clearly identify a candidate in the election or clearly indicate support or opposition to a question submitted election within any polling place on election day."
This applies to clothing or materials supporting a particular candidate and, for Aug. 2, items showcasing a prominent group advocating on the abortion constitutional amendment.
More: What do 'yes' and 'no' votes mean for Kansas' Value Them Both anti-abortion amendment?
Andrew Bahl is a senior statehouse reporter for the Topeka Capital-Journal. He can be reached at abahl@gannett.com or by phone at 443-979-6100.
This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: How to vote in Kansas Aug. 2 primary election and what else to know
