Election Day Tips

It’s Election Day, and that means it’s time to get out and vote. If you aren’t sure how to do that, we’ve got you covered. Here’s our guide to voting in 2016.

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. today. With that said, you could experience long lines, so be sure to block out time for this. As long as you’re in line at your polling location before 7 p.m., you’ll be able to vote.

Know Where to Go

Polling locations are determined by your home address. If you aren’t sure where to go, you can punch in your address and find your designated polling location here.

Bring an Acceptable Form of Identification

In order to vote, you must present an accepted form of Identification. (There are a few exceptions, but we’ll get to those later.) Accepted forms of identification include:

• Valid U.S. driver’s license or non-driver ID card
• Concealed carry license
• United States passport
• Badge or ID indicating government employment
• U.S. military ID
• Student ID from an accredited post-secondary school in the state of Kansas
• Government-issued public assistance ID
• Tribal ID.

Use of expired photo ID will be permitted for voters ages 65 and over.

ID Exceptions

Now for those exceptions. You will not be required to show ID if:

• Your religious beliefs prohibit you from using a photo ID. If this is the case, you will be required to submit a document declaring your beliefs. That can be found here.
• You’re a member of the U.S. Merchant Marine and will be out of the country on 11/8. This also applies to the spouses and dependents of the Merchant Marine out of the country on 11/8.
• You’re an active duty military member and will be out of the country on 11/8. This also applies to the spouses and dependents of the service member out of the country on 11/8.
• You are permanently disabled, are unable to travel in order to obtain a photo ID, and have qualified for permanent advance voting status.

Know your Rights

Your rights and responsibilities as a voter are very important. They will be posted at each polling location on Election Day, so you can review them at your leisure.

Know the Candidates

If you aren’t familiar with the candidates, you can view a sample ballot online here. This will allow you to familiarize yourself with the ballot format, and with the candidates before you cast your vote.

Catch a Ride

The City of Wichita will offer free transportation to those wearing and "I Voted" sticker on election day. Click here to learn more.

Additional Information

For further information on voting, check out voteks.org. You can also find more helpful tips here.