Kansas early voting turnout so far is 246% higher than the last midterm primary in 2018

Early voter turnout in Kansas ahead of Tuesday’s election is significantly higher than it was at this point in 2018, the last midterm primary election.

As of Wednesday, 110,697 votes have been cast in person, according to the Kansas Secretary of State. That’s more than three times the number of votes counted than at this point in 2018: Only 32,004 early votes had been cast at this point four years ago.

That’s a roughly 246% increase in early in-person votes.

Tuesday’s primary election includes a vote on an amendment to the Kansas state constitution that would remove the right to abortion. Kansas will be the first state to hold a vote on abortion rights following the Supreme Court’s decision that overturned Roe v. Wade.

The number of mailed ballots returned to Kansas election offices is also up significantly since this point in the 2018 primary. 52,865 advance ballots have been returned so far this year, compared to 24,063 during the last midterm primary. That’s more than double the 2018 number.

Early voting continues in Kansas until Aug. 1, the day before Election Day. Check the early voting dates, hours and locations in Johnson and Wyandotte Counties here.

The deadline has passed to request an absentee ballot, but you can return one you have already requested using these steps.

Election Day is on Tuesday, Aug. 2, and polls will be open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. Find your polling place by typing in your address here.

Curious who is on your ballot and what they stand for? Check out The Star’s voter guide here.

Do you have more questions about the August 2 primary elections in Kansas and Missouri? Ask the Service Journalism team at kcq@kcstar.com.