Kansas 2023-2024 Regular Session

Kansas House Bill HB2512

Introduced
1/17/24  
Refer
1/17/24  
Report Pass
2/8/24  
Engrossed
2/28/24  
Refer
2/29/24  

Caption

Substitute for HB 2512 by Committee on Elections - Relating to advance voting ballots; requiring county election officers to provide at least four hours of advance voting in-person on the Saturday before an election; providing after January 1, 2025, such ballots cast in-person be received in the county election office by 7:00 p.m. on the Sunday proceeding the election; exception to allow voting in-person until 12:00 noon on Monday for good cause.

Impact

The passage of HB 2512 signifies a notable shift in the laws governing advance voting in Kansas. By requiring a tighter timeline for the submission of advance voting ballots, the bill is intended to streamline election processes and potentially reduce the window for discrepancies that could arise with late submissions. This could have broader implications for voter turnout, particularly for those who rely on advance voting options due to scheduling conflicts or personal circumstances.

Summary

House Bill 2512 aims to address regulations surrounding advance voting ballots by imposing new deadlines and requirements. Specifically, the bill mandates that if advance ballots are cast in person, they must be received at the county election office by 7:00 p.m. on the second day preceding an election. Furthermore, starting January 1, 2025, any ballots cast in-person will also need to comply with these new submission timelines. The aim of these changes is to enhance the integrity and efficiency of the voting process in Kansas.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding this bill include discussions on the implications of stricter deadlines. Critics might argue that the new timeline for the receipt of ballots could disenfranchise voters, particularly those who may not be aware of the changes or who encounter difficulties in returning their ballots on time. Additionally, the requirement for voter identification and the prohibition on certain ballot handling practices may raise concerns about accessibility and could disproportionately affect specific segments of the population, such as the elderly or disabled voters.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

KS HB2453

Requiring applications for advance voting ballots be filed by the 14th day prior to election day, that advance voting in person be completed by 12:00 p.m. on the Sunday prior to election day, extending the time for transmittal of advance voting ballots to 22 days prior to an election and ending the time for voter registration at 23 days prior to election day.

KS HB2269

Requiring the election commissioners in the four largest counties to designate at least three advance voting sites as determined by the board of county commissioners and providing for in-person advance voting 20 days prior to an election in such counties.

KS SB4

Requiring the return of advance voting ballots by 7:00 p.m. on the day of the election.

KS HB397

Elections; allow municipalities to opt in to providing advance voting on Saturdays for municipal elections

KS SB4

Requiring all advance voting ballots be returned by 7:00 p.m. on election day.

KS HB2017

Requiring the return of advance voting ballots by 7:00 p.m. on the day of the election.

KS HB1162

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in county boards of elections, furth er providing for powers and duties of county boards; in preparation for and conduct of primaries and elections, further providing for manner of applying to vote, persons entitled to vote, voter's certificates, entries to be made in district register, numbered lists of voters and challenges and for ballots to be issued by election officers only, ballots not to be removed and official ballots only to be deposited or counted; in voting by qualified absentee electors, further providing for applications for official absentee ballots, for date of application for absentee ballot, for official absentee voters ballots, for voting by absentee electors and for canvassing of official absentee absentee ballots and mail-in ballots; in voting by qualified mail-in electors, further providing for applications for official mail-in ballots, for official mail-in elector ballots and for voting by mail-in electors.

KS SB599

In county boards of elections, further providing for expenses of county boards and of primaries and elections to be paid by county, expenses of special elections and boards to be provided with offices; in voting by qualified absentee electors, further providing for date of application for absentee ballot and for voting by absentee electors; and, in voting by qualified mail-in electors, further providing for voting by mail-in electors.

KS SB394

House Substitute for SB 394 by Committee on Elections - Relating to signature verification for advance voting ballots, concerning court orders that invalidate or enjoin signature verification triggering a return to allowing advance voting only if certain conditions exist, establishing venue in the district court in Shawnee county for all constitutional challenges to election laws.

KS SB438

Absentee voting in person; available the second and third Sunday before all elections.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.