By Sophia Misle

The Kansas Republican and Democratic parties will hold a Presidential Preference Primary Election on March 19.

In a Presidential Primary Election, voters indicate their preference for a particular candidate to be their party’s presidential nominee. Then, delegates from the Republican and Democratic parties will use these results when voting to formally select a presidential nominee at the parties’ national conventions.

To be a registered voter in Johnson County, you must be a United States citizen, a Johnson County resident, and 18 years old before or on Election Day. You may submit your voter registration online at sos.ks.gov if you have a valid Kansas driver’s license or nondriver’s identification card. A paper version is available at jocoelection.org/registration.

Once you are registered to vote, there are three ways to make your voice heard in Johnson County – by mail, early in-person, and in-person on Election Day. Any registered voter can request an advance voting by mail ballot at jocoelection.org/advance-voting before Feb. 19. Those with a permanent illness or disability can apply for permanent advance voting status.

In-person advance voting, which does not require an application, will begin March 9. Locations and hours can be found at jocoelection.org/advance-voting.

Voters wanting to cast their ballot in person on Election Day must vote at their assigned polling place. Your assigned polling place can be found at jocoelection.org/voterview.

Photographic identification is required to vote in person per state law. For more details, visit sos.ks.gov or call 913-715-6800.

Voters can update their political party affiliation by re-registering to vote at jocoelection.org before Monday, Feb. 19. Additional updates to voter registration, including address and name changes, must be made before Monday, Feb. 19 as well.

For more information, visit the Johnson County Election Office at jocoelection.org or call 913-715-6800.

Sophia Misle is the communications coordinator at the Johnson County Election Office.