Kansas 2023-2024 Regular Session

Kansas Senate Bill SB365

Introduced
1/18/24  
Refer
1/19/24  

Caption

Requiring all advance voting ballots be returned by 7:00 p.m. on election day.

Impact

The adoption of SB365 could significantly affect the state’s election laws by tightening the timeline for ballot returns. Proponents argue that this will lead to a more uniform voting process and help reduce ambiguities regarding ballot processing. This clarity, in turn, could enhance voter confidence in the electoral process, ensuring that all votes are counted accurately and efficiently. However, the bill also has implications for voter accessibility, making it crucial that appropriate measures are considered to accommodate voters who may struggle to meet the strict deadline.

Summary

Senate Bill 365 mandates that all advance voting ballots must be returned by 7:00 p.m. on the day of an election. This bill seeks to update the existing legislation concerning the timing and procedures for counting advance voting ballots in Kansas. Specifically, it amends K.S.A. 25-1132 to ensure that ballots received by election officers are properly handled in a timely manner, thereby aligning the process with the standards set for regular voting. The bill has been brought forth in the context of enhancing election integrity and clarity around voting procedures.

Contention

During discussions surrounding SB365, notable contention arose regarding the impact of the return deadline on different voter demographics. Critics argue that the imposed deadline could disproportionately affect voters from lower socio-economic backgrounds or those who may encounter challenges in returning their ballots on time, such as individuals with disabilities or those living in rural areas. Consequently, while supporters of the bill emphasize the benefits of a standardized process, opponents caution that it could inadvertently disenfranchise certain groups of voters, sparking discussions about the balance between election integrity and voter accessibility.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

KS SB4

Requiring all advance voting ballots be returned by 7:00 p.m. on election day.

KS SB209

Requiring all advance voting ballots be returned by 7 p.m. on election day.

KS SB259

Prohibiting the use of ballot copies for purposes of any audit or recount of an election, setting a 7:00 p.m. deadline for receipt of advance mail ballots, requiring the use of paper ballots and hand counting, establishing legislative oversight, requiring that certain ballot records and all election records be publicly available and mandating use of a uniform paper for ballot printing.

KS HB2513

Changing the time period for the transmittal and return of advance voting ballots and requiring such ballots be returned by the day of the election.

KS SB4

Requiring the return of advance voting ballots by 7:00 p.m. on the day of the election.

KS HB2571

Requiring that all advance voting ballots deposited in a remote ballot box be considered provisional ballots until verified by the county election office.

KS HB2017

Requiring the return of advance voting ballots by 7:00 p.m. on the day of the election.

KS SB262

Requiring voting and vote tabulation by hand and prohibiting electronic poll books or electronic or electromechanical voting or tabulation systems after January 1, 2024, mandating legislative approval of certain election matters and providing for the reporting of vote counts to the secretary of state and publication of the vote counts by the secretary.

KS SB260

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.

KS HB2512

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.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.