Our Kansan readers might be thinking, “I’ve definitely voted in primaries here before.”
To which we respond: yes, you probably have — but not like this.
Party-run primaries, caucuses, and other means of choosing delegates for nominating conventions happen every year, but the state of Kansas has only run a primary twice before — in 1992 + 1980. That is, until Gov. Laura Kelly signed a bill allowing the state to hold its own presidential preference primary this year.
Need a “Schoolhouse Rock!"-style explanation of this historic moment in Kansas politics? Here’s what you need to know before you cast your vote on Tuesday, March 19.
What’s on the ballot?
You can get a sneak peek on election office websites like Johnson County’s, which allow you to look up voter information, polling locations + sample ballots.
Registered Republicans will see:
- Ryan L. Binkley
- Ron DeSantis
- Nikki Haley
- Donald Trump
Democratic Party-affiliates can choose:
- Joseph R. Biden, Jr.
- Jason Michael Palmer
- Dean Phillips
- Marianne Williamson
All ballots will also have a “None of the names shown” option.
Deadlines to register or change party affiliation have already passed — so for March 19, you’re stuck with what you’ve got. There’s one exception: unaffiliated voters can declare a party day-of at the polling place.
How to vote early + in-person
Early in-person voting begins this Saturday, March 9 for both Johnson + Wyandotte Counties and runs through Monday, March 18.
Remember to bring a photo ID — driver’s license, passport, student ID, US Military ID — and check out what polling place you’re assigned to on Election Day, March 19.