CyberCivics

Election day in Kansas is an opportunity for all registered voters to cast a ballot for various local, state and national offices. Months of preparation by county and state officials, as well as efforts put forth by candidates, come together on election day to determine the future leaders of our government. As citizens of the United States, individuals have the opportunity to voice their opinion of the status quo and choose candidates that they feel will best represent them in the policy-making process.

Even-numbered Years

In even-numbered years, election day is the first Tuesday following the first Monday in November. Historically, this time was chosen because it fell after harvest time and allowed people in rural areas to travel to their election location to cast their ballots. Polling places are open generally from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. local time.

In 2012, the president of the United States will be elected along with members of the United States House of Representatives, Kansas Senate, Kansas House of Representatives, and other state, county and township offices. These elections are partisan, and each political party is allowed to field one candidate for each office on the general election ballot.

Odd-numbered Years

On the first Tuesday in April of odd-numbered years, elections for city and school board offices are held. Some cities may adopt ordinances that allow them to set an alternative schedule for their elections. Offices in these elections differ by the type of government each city has adopted and the class of the city.

Unlike national or state elections, candidates for local elections are listed with no party designation on the ballot. These local elections generally have fewer voters participate than national elections. Oftentimes, local offices have greater impact on the day-to-day lives of citizens and have fewer constituents to report to than national or state offices.

Election Results

Elections are administered by county election offices with oversight by the Kansas Secretary of State's Office. Upon the closing of the polls, election boards and county election offices count all ballots and report initial unofficial counts of votes cast for each candidate on the ballot. Results for offices at the national and state level are subsequently reported to the Secretary of State's Office. These numbers are then recorded and released online and to various media sources for availability to the public.