Ways to Vote

To vote by mail you must complete an Application for Advance Ballot by Mail (PDF format) by printing it out or go to www.ksvotes.org to fill out a form online.  Please Note: Digital typed signatures are not accepted. We verify your signature against your voter registration record. After you have completed the application, please return it to our office:

Via mail:

• Douglas County Clerk's Office
  c/o Elections Office
  1100 Massachusetts Street
  Lawrence, KS 66044

Via fax:

• 785-832-5192

Via email:

• elections@douglascountyks.org

A separate application must be submitted for each election, except in the case of permanent illness or disability (see below, Permanent Advanced Voting Status).

Your completed application must be received at the Election Office by the Tuesday prior to the election (K.S.A. 25-1122(f)). Submit your application early to avoid delays!

Ballots will be mailed beginning 20 days before the election.
 

A person with a permanent illness or disability may apply at any time to the county election officer for permanent advance voting status using an Application for Permanent Advance Voting Status (PDF format). Once a voter obtains permanent status, the county election officer automatically sends the voter an advance ballot by mail for every election they are eligible to vote in.

The voter must specify the nature of the permanent physical disability or illness that makes it difficult or impossible for the voter to go to the regular polling place to cast a ballot. A permanent advance voting applicant is not required to furnish a physician's records or signature, but the applicant should be specific as to the nature of the sickness or disability; using "age" or "failing health" is not adequate.

After you have completed the application please return it to our office via email at: elections@douglascountyks.org or via mail at:

• Douglas County Clerk's Office
  c/o Elections Office
  1100 Massachusetts Street
  Lawrence, KS 66044

How provisional ballots work, and the reasons you may be asked (or choose) to vote provisionally.

Reasons for Provisional Ballot

A provisional ballot is voted when there is a question regarding the validity of a voter's registration, or in the process of voting, they did not satisfy voting requirements. Reasons for provisional ballots include:

• The voter has had a name change.
• The voter showed up at their "new" polling location, but they never updated their voter registration information and they still appear at their former registered address.
• The voter did not bring photographic identification to the polling location.
• The voter did not know what location they were supposed to go, and showed up at any given location, and were not on the poll book.
• The voter appears in the poll book as having voted in advance.
• The voter was not in line at the close of voting at 7 pm, but insists on voting anyway.
• The voter is not registered in Douglas County.

Instructions for Provisional Ballot

It is your responsibility when voting a Provisional Ballot to:

1. Receive a provisional ballot envelope with a voter registration card attached.
2. Check the envelope and verify that reason for the challenge has been marked.
3. Complete the registration card, including former address or former name and leave it attached to the envelope.
4. Sign the envelope. (Note: At the time of counting, your ballot will be separated from the signed envelope in order to guarantee the confidentiality of your vote.
5. Receive the appropriate unmarked ballot from the Election Board.
6. Take the envelope (with the voter registration attached) and the unmarked ballot into the voting booth and vote your ballot.
7. Check over your ballot to make sure it is complete and correct.
8. Place your voted ballot in the envelope and seal it to protect your privacy.
9. Hand the envelope with your voted ballot sealed inside to the election board worker.

Your provisional ballot will be processed after election night to determine whether the Board of County Canvassers will accept or reject your ballot. You should be given a receipt containing an explanation of provisional voting and telephone numbers for finding out whether your ballot was accepted.

Kansas Voter's Rights and Responsibilities

As a Kansas Elector, you have the right to:

• Ask questions
• Request a ballot if you are a United States citizen, 18 years or older, a Kansas resident, and possibly registered to vote.
• Vote a provisional ballot if your name is not on the voter registration list or if there is another question about your qualifications to vote.
• Vote in an accessible voting place, and receive assistance if needed.
• Review a sample ballot before voting.
• Receive a ballot if you are in line at the time the polls close.
• Obtain up to 2 replacement ballots if yours is mismarked or spoiled.
• Occupy the voting booth up to 5 minutes if others are waiting.
• Have your ballot count if it is cast legally and timely.

As a Kansas elector, you have the responsibility to:

• Register to vote at least twenty-one days before the election
• Respect the privacy and voting rights of others
• Read and follow instructions
• Follow all federal and state voting laws the county election officer and precinct elections board workers.
• Report illegal activities such as electioneering or denial of voting rights to the precinct election board, the county election officer or the Secretary of State.
• Review your ballot before casting it to ensure it is complete and correct.
• Treat election workers and other voters with courtesy and respect.
• Be informed about the candidates and issues on the ballot.
• Keep your voter registration and address records current in the county election office.