Kansas 2023-2024 Regular Session

Kansas Senate Bill SB366

Introduced
1/18/24  
Refer
1/19/24  
Report Pass
1/30/24  

Caption

Requiring that county election officers receive a request for an application for an advance voting ballot from a voter before mailing such application to such voter.

Impact

The enactment of SB 366 is likely to significantly impact voter behavior and election procedures in Kansas. By enforcing a system where voters must explicitly request their advance voting ballots, the bill may reduce the likelihood of ballots being sent to incorrect or unverified addresses. This change is anticipated to enhance the accuracy of voter rolls and may aid in addressing concerns around election security and integrity. However, the bill could also place additional responsibilities on voters to be proactive in requesting their ballots, which may affect turnout, particularly among those who are less familiar with the process.

Summary

Senate Bill 366 introduces new requirements for advance voting in Kansas, focusing on voter applications for advance voting ballots. Under this bill, county election officers are mandated to receive a request from voters before mailing an application for an advance voting ballot to them. This change is aimed at ensuring that ballots are sent only to those who formally request them, enhancing the integrity of the voting process and preventing any unauthorized mailings. The bill amends existing statutes and repeals the outdated provisions to align with the new requirements, thereby updating the legislative framework governing advance voting in the state.

Contention

Notably, SB 366 may face criticisms from various advocacy groups that argue this approach could unintentionally disenfranchise voters who may struggle to navigate the new application process. There are concerns that individuals with disabilities, the elderly, or those lacking familiarity with the voting system might find it more challenging to ensure their participation in elections. Moreover, there could be debates surrounding the balance between enhancing election security and ensuring accessibility for all voters, which may lead to opposition from organizations advocating for voter rights.

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 HB2016

Including funeral home online obituary notices as sufficient grounds for removal of a deceased voter from the voter registration books; requiring that poll workers be citizens of the United States and live within the state of Kansas; prohibiting the disqualification of active military members, spouses or other dependents who are citizens of the United States as poll workers on the basis of residency or being a registered voter; relating to advance voting ballot applications; modifying the requirements for soliciting registered voters to submit advance voting applications.

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 A1373

Allows voters to submit application to vote by mail using electronic mail-in ballot application form through website maintained by Secretary of State up to seven days before election.

KS SB4

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

KS HB5351

Relating to the election for which an application for a ballot to be voted by mail is requested.

KS A08257

Authorizes electronic absentee ballot applications for military voters and special federal voters; removes requirements that the federal post card application form be included with certain ballot application and ballots; requires institutions of higher education to provide students studying abroad with information on how to vote from abroad.

KS S07689

Authorizes electronic absentee ballot applications for military voters and special federal voters; removes requirements that the federal post card application form be included with certain ballot application and ballots; requires institutions of higher education to provide students studying abroad with information on how to vote from abroad.

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 HB473

In voting by qualified absentee electors, further providing for applications for official absentee ballots; and, in voting by qualified mail-in electors, further providing for applications for official mail-in ballots.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.