Providing for a presidential preference primary election on March 19, 2024, and establishing voter registration and voting procedures for such election.
Impact
The enactment of SB321 will amend several sections of existing election laws in Kansas, reinforcing the importance of proper voter registration protocols and ensuring that all eligible voters can take part in the upcoming presidential preference primary. The provisions aim to standardize how ballots are printed and managed, emphasizing adherence to deadlines for candidate filing and transparency in the electoral process. This will likely clarify procedures for voters and officials alike, contributing to the integrity of the electoral process.
Summary
Senate Bill 321 introduces provisions for a presidential preference primary election in Kansas scheduled for March 19, 2024. The bill outlines the processes and regulations that each recognized political party must follow to select its nominee for president and vice president. It aims to enhance the voter experience by allowing registered electors to participate in this primary and express their preferences for candidates, including an option to vote 'none of the names shown.' The bill also stipulates how the ballots will be conducted, marked, and canvassed by county election officials.
Contention
Potential points of contention surrounding SB321 relate to the rules governing voter registration and how parties participate in the primary. Debate may arise over the implications of allowing individuals to declare party affiliation on-site at polling places, which supports inclusivity but raises questions about possible last-minute affiliations. Additionally, there's the issue of the bill's enforcement of regulations regarding advance voting, ballot distribution, and signature verification, which could stir discussions on voter accessibility and election security in Kansas.
Senate Substitute for HB 2053 by Committee on Federal and State Affairs - Providing for a presidential preference primary election on March 19, 2024, and establishing voter registration and voting procedures for such election.
Requiring a presidential preference primary election to be held on the first Tuesday following the first Monday in May every fourth year and changing the primary election date for all primary elections to the first Tuesday following the first Monday in May.
Substitute for HB 2512 by Committee on Elections - Relating to advance voting ballots; requiring county election officers to provide at least four hours of advance voting in-person on the Saturday before an election; providing after January 1, 2025, such ballots cast in-person be received in the county election office by 7:00 p.m. on the Sunday proceeding the election; exception to allow voting in-person until 12:00 noon on Monday for good cause.
Requiring the election commissioners in the four largest counties to designate at least three advance voting sites as determined by the board of county commissioners and providing for in-person advance voting 20 days prior to an election in such counties.
Requiring that county election officers receive a request for an application for an advance voting ballot from a voter before mailing such application to such voter.
Prohibiting remote ballot boxes, providing for reporting and publication of voting results and public access to voting records and materials, limiting advance voting provisions and requiring receipt of advance voting ballots by election day, limiting the size of precincts, making the general election a state holiday, providing that the sheriff has sole jurisdiction for and shall provide security at voting places, establishing the authority of the legislature over elections with preeminence over rules and regulations of the secretary of state and federal election law and making certain election crimes felonies.
Senate Substitute for HB 2053 by Committee on Federal and State Affairs - Providing for a presidential preference primary election on March 19, 2024, and establishing voter registration and voting procedures for such election.