Kansas Senate Bill SB273

Kansas 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/18/25
• Refer: 2/19/25

Caption

Requiring that special elections be held on the first Tuesday in March.

Impact

The proposed amendments under SB273 will have a direct impact on the scheduling of special elections, which includes measures to issue bonds for local projects. This might lead to increased voter turnout as these elections would now align with a specific date, making it easier for voters to remember and participate. Additionally, it eliminates the possibility of having multiple special elections on different dates, which could simplify the electoral process for both election officials and the public.

Summary

Senate Bill 273 aims to standardize the timing of special elections by requiring that they be held on the first Tuesday in March of each year. This legislation amends several sections of the Kansas Statutes Annotated related to the scheduling and organization of elections, particularly focusing on bond elections conducted by municipalities and school districts. The bill's intent is to create a uniform framework for election dates, potentially facilitating greater participation by having elections occur on predetermined days that are consistent across various jurisdictions.

Contention

There could be points of contention surrounding SB273 regarding its implications for local governance and election administration. Critics may argue that mandating a specific date for all special elections could limit local control over the electoral process, potentially hindering the ability of municipalities to respond to timely needs based on local issues. Moreover, the timing may not always align with local circumstances or needs, such as urgent municipal bond requests that cannot adhere to the proposed schedule.