General Information
The Office of Secretary of State and Memorial Hall is open to the public. Due to COVID-19, social distancing guidelines and sanitizing precautions are be in place to ensure the safety of those in Memorial Hall.
Business Services
- Remote Notary Authorization, Executive Order 20-40: Executive Order 20-40 permits notarizing remotely with audio/video capabilities
- File Annual Report Online: https://www.kansas.gov/annual-reports/index.do
- How to Reinstate: https://www.sos.ks.gov/forms/business_services/ReinstatementInstructions.pdf
Elections
In 2020, Kansas voters have the same options to cast their ballots as in previous election cycles – advance in-person voting, through advance by mail ballot, and in-person on Election Day. Since 1996, Kansas has allowed all voters to request an advance mail ballot without needing an excuse (K.S.A. 25-1120). Voters with permanent illness or disability may apply for a ballot to be permanently mailed to them prior to every election (K.S.A. 25-1122(h)). Voters can request an advance mail ballot by contacting their local election office or online at: https://www.sos.ks.gov/forms//elections/AV1.pdf (Español). No individual will be turned away from casting their ballot for wearing, or not wearing, a mask.
2020 Election Dates & Deadlines
- October 13: Deadline to register to vote
- October 14: Advance voting by mail begins and advance in-person voting may begin
- October 27: Deadline for voters to apply for advance ballots by mail for the general election
- November 2: 12:00 p.m. deadline to advance vote in-person
- November 3: General Election
- November 6: Deadline for receipt of advance ballots by mail postmarked on/before general election day
Helpful Election Links
- Request Advance ballot By Mail (English): https://www.sos.ks.gov/forms//elections/AV1.pdf.
- Request Advance ballot By Mail (Español): https://www.sos.ks.gov/forms/elections/Spanish/AV1%20(Spanish).pdf
- Register to vote: https://www.kdor.ks.gov/Apps/VoterReg/Default.aspx
- Paper registration form (English): https://www.sos.ks.gov/forms/elections/voterregistration.pdf
- Paper registration form (Español): https://www.sos.ks.gov/forms/elections/Spanish/SpanishVoterReg.pdf
- Verify voter information: https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/VoterView/
- Verify advance ballot by mail application status: https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/VoterView/AbsenteeBallotSearch.do
(Note: due to increased demand for the August 4 primary election, most counties will process advance ballot applications for the general election after the primary election)
CARES Act (Stimulus) Funding
In the COVID-19 Stimulus Legislation (called the CARES Act), Congress appropriated $400 million in additional Help America Vote Act (HAVA) funding to help states prevent, prepare for, and respond to the coronavirus for the 2020 Federal election cycle.
Kansas received approximately $4.6 million from the CARES Act. The CARES funding will assist the state by:
- Reimbursing counties for mailers providing information to voters on advance mail ballots, voter registration and election dates and deadlines OR mailing information to active Kansas registered voters on advance mail ballots, voter registration instructions and election dates and deadlines
- Reimbursing counties for providing postage for advance mail ballots or providing counties with funding to provide postage for advance mail ballots
- Procuring PPE equipment and sanitation supplies for election workers, polling locations and voters
- Providing increased pay to election workers
Media Releases
- Secretary Schwab Responds to November Election Delay Suggestion (07-30-2020)
- Secretary of State Scott Schwab Provides Guidance to Counties on Mask Requirements (07-17-2020)
- Schwab to Distribute $2.6 Million to Kansas Counties for 2020 Elections (05-07-2020)
- Secretary of State Provides Update Amid COVID-19 Outbreak (03-23-2020)
