What is a Presidential Preference Primary?
A presidential preference primary takes an act by the Kansas legislature to be conducted. The enactment takes the responsibility from the two state parties (Republican and Democrat) in Kansas from conducting a caucus, and instead, having the state of Kansas conduct a primary election. It is a “preference” primary because it is an election where the vote totals are given to a political party to allocate delegates to candidates at the national convention. This is not a primary where the voters selected the party candidate.
What is the History of Presidential Preference Primary in Kansas?
In Kansas, it is a function of the state political parties to allocate delegates to presidential candidates at each party’s national convention to select each party’s presidential nominee. Such delegates are chosen via caucus or convention by the political parties. This year, the state legislature decided to resurrect the state-run presidential preference primary, which had only been used in Kansas in 1980 and 1992.
When is the Election?
The Republican and Democratic parties can have a state-run primary election on March 19, 2024. However, either party may opt out of participating in the primary by notifying the Secretary of State on or before December 1, 2023.
Who is on the Ballot?
Presidential candidates must file their candidacy with the Secretary of State 60 days before the election (12:00 p.m. January 19, 2024). Candidates must either pay a $10,000 filing fee or present a petition with 5,000 signatures of registered Kansas voters of the applicable political party.
What Voters Can Participate?
Each political party must notify the Secretary of State in writing on or before January 16, 2024, as to who may vote in the party’s primary election. This information will be updated following January 16, 2024.
Where is my Polling Location?
Like other elections, the county election office will determine where the voting locations are held. Advance voting by mail and advance voting in person are also an option. You will vote at your regular polling place unless you receive a notification by mail from your county election office. You may also verify your polling location on the VoterView website.
IMPORTANT DATES
Friday, December 1, 2023
Deadline for political parties to opt out of participating in the Presidential Preference Primary.
Tuesday, January 2, 2024
Deadline for political parties to submit the party rules for delegate allocation to the Secretary of State.
Kansas Democratic Party Delegate Selection Plan
Kansas Republican Party Delegate Selection Plan
Tuesday, January 16, 2024
Deadline for political parties to notify the Secretary of State who is eligible to vote in each party’s Presidential Preference Primary.
Friday, January 19, 2024
12:00 p.m. Deadline for candidates to file to run in the Presidential Preference Primary.
Click here to see the eight candidates filed.
Tuesday, February 20, 2024
Deadline to register to vote or update voter registration information to participate in the Presdiential Preference Primary.
Last day to apply for an advance voting by mail ballot.
Wednesday, February 28, 2024
First day of advance voting. Advance ballots by mail are transmitted. In-person advance voting may begin. Check with your county election officer for specific times and locations.
Monday, March 18, 2024
In-person advance voting ends at 12:00 p.m.
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
Presidential Preference Primary Election
(All advance ballots by mail must be received by close of polls.)
This is a one-time presidential preference primary, should the Kansas legislature choose to have another presidential preference primary in four years this would take an act of the legislature. Due to upcoming party deadlines, details may change. Please check back for updated information.
Updated December 21, 2023.