By Sophia Misle

All voters, no matter if they are 18 years old or 88 years old, have one thing in common. They care about the issues that are going to shape their lives or the lives of others.

The upcoming 2023 General Election on Nov. 7 will determine local government representatives, including mayor, city council members and school board memberships.

“Presidential elections may receive the most attention, but ‘off-year’ local elections are important too,” Election Commissioner Fred Sherman said.

Visit jocoelection.org for a full list of candidates as well as additional election information.

Important election dates

• Tuesday, Oct. 17 – Last day to register to vote for the general election. Find the voter registration application online at jocoelection.org/registration or at the Johnson County Election Office, 2101 E. Kansas City Road, Olathe.
• Wednesday, Oct. 18 – Mailing of advance ballots begins. Any registered voter can apply to vote by mail in any election with no reason required. You must apply for each election. Registered voters who have a permanent illness or physical disability can apply for permanent advance voting status.

An application for a ballot by mail will be sent to each registered voter in early September. The application is also available on the election website or at the election office.

 

• Saturday, Oct. 28 – Advance in-person begins. A full list of advance voting locations and hours can be found at the election website. Voters can cast their ballot at any location and no application is required.
• Tuesday, Oct. 31 – Last day to apply for an advance ballot.
• Monday, Nov. 6 – Advance voting closes at noon.
• Tuesday, Nov. 7 – General Election Day.

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and voters must be in line by 7 p.m. to cast a ballot. Find your assigned polling site on jocoelection.org/voterview. Ballot drop boxes will also close at 7 p.m. and mail ballots must be postmarked on Election Day.

Three ways to vote

• Advance ballot by mail.
• Early in-person, starting Oct. 28 at any location.
• In-person on Election Day at your assigned polling place.

Do I need ID to vote?

State law requires voters to show photographic identification when voting in-person. Exemptions exist for individuals 65 years of age or older or individuals whose religious beliefs prohibit photographic identification.

More details on photo ID requirements can be found at sos.ks.gov or by calling 913-715-6800.

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