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SB 231

House Substitute for SB231 by Committee on Elections - Changing the timing of city, school, community college and certain other municipality elections to fall in even-numbered years and requiring the term of office of municipal elected officials to be either two years or four years.

2025-2026 Regular Session

Kansas SB 231 modifies requirements for soliciting voter advance ballot applications, passing unanimously 40-0, potentially affecting absentee voting outreach procedures and voter participation access.

Died on House Calendar
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Bill Summary · SB 231

Legislative bill overview

SB 231 modifies Kansas law regarding how organizations and individuals can solicit registered voters to apply for advance voting ballots. The bill changes the requirements and procedures for those conducting voter outreach about absentee/mail voting. It recently passed emergency final action with unanimous support (40-0) on March 19, 2025.

Why is this important

Advance voting access affects electoral participation rates, as mail-in and early voting options accommodate voters with scheduling conflicts, disabilities, or transportation barriers. Changes to solicitation rules can influence how effectively voters learn about and utilize these options, potentially impacting voter turnout across different demographic groups.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition of "solicitation": Unclear whether routine voter education by nonpartisan organizations or partisan campaigns would be restricted or require new compliance measures
  • Burden on voter outreach: Requirements for soliciting advance ballot applications could reduce grassroots civic engagement efforts, particularly by community organizations with limited resources
  • Voter access equity: Restrictions on solicitation may disproportionately affect voters with less access to voting information, potentially widening participation gaps among underrepresented populations

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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