State and county elections officials have long encouraged voters not to dilly-dally when sending in their advance ballots. But lawmakers are weighing changes that could mean anyone who hesitates in voting by mail could be lost.
Currently, voters have to postmark their advance ballots by 7 p.m. on Election Day for their vote to be counted, as long as their ballots arrive at the county elections office by Friday, three days later. County election officers say the window shouldn't be relied upon but can serve as a useful "get-out-of-jail-free card" for those who procrastinate on their civic duty.
Under legislation proposed in the Kansas House, however, ballots would need to arrive by 5 p.m. on the day after Election Day — a shortened time frame that officials say could make things more difficult for residents amid potential changes to the U.S. Postal Service.