By Sophia Misle

Navigating the voting process can be challenging, especially for those with permanent physical disabilities or diagnosed permanent illnesses. Fortunately, there’s a convenient solution – Permanent Advance Voting Status.

Permanent Advance Voting allows eligible voters to automatically receive an advance ballot by mail for every election. This ensures you have ample time to review and complete your ballot from the comfort of your home without the need to visit a polling place.

Who Qualifies?

To qualify for Permanent Advance Voting Status, you must meet one of the following criteria:

• Have a permanent physical disability.
• Have been diagnosed with a permanent illness.

How It Works

1. Application: State law requires voters to apply for Permanent Advance Voting status. The application is available online at jocoelection.org/PermAdvanceApp or by calling the Johnson County Election Office at 913-715-6800.
2. Submission deadline: To obtain Permanent Advance Voting Status before the November general election, your completed application must be received by the Election Office on Tuesday, Oct. 29.
3. Receiving your ballot: Ballots begin mailing to voters with Permanent Advance Voting Status 20 days before Election Day – Tuesday, Nov. 5.
4. Returning your ballot: Your ballot can be returned through the U.S. Postal Service, ballot drop boxes, advance voting locations and Election Day polling sites. Ballots must be postmarked by Election Day and received by the Friday after Election Day – Nov. 8. If you choose not to mail your ballot, it must be returned by 7 p.m. on Election Day.

You do not need a doctor’s note to receive Permanent Advance Voting Status. However, state law requires applicants to specify the nature of the permanent physical disability or illness.

For more information about Permanent Advance Voting Status, please call the Johnson County Election Office at 913-715-6800.

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