CHC Offers Rapid COVID-19 Testing

Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, Fort Scott..

Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas in Fort Scott now offers rapid testing for the COVID-19 virus for those with symptoms.

On October 9, 2020, the Bourbon County Law Enforcement Center announced there were 33 who tested positive for COVID-19 at the jail, the biggest spike in the county since the pandemic started in March 2020.

As of October 20, there have been 303 people who have tested positive for the virus in Bourbon County, according to the Southeast Kansas Multi-County Health Department.

To see the latest COVID-19 updates, click below:

Kansashttps://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas

 

“I can confirm we have finally received the test kits to now do rapid testing in Fort Scott for COVID-19,” Krista Postai, CHC/SEK CEO, said.  “Because of the limited supply, we have allocated these for those individuals with symptoms.”

Krista Postai. Submitted photo.

Because of the limited amount of tests, it is at the discretion of the health care provider and the availability of the test, according to a spokeswoman at CHC.

“We have standing orders to cover the testing,” Postai said.

COVID-19 testing takes about 20 minutes in total.

The test is done with nasal swabs.

The cost is $100 and covered by insurance and/or a government program for those with symptoms, Postai said.

 

“For those without symptoms, an alternative rapid test is available for $50 cash and is not covered by insurance,” she said. “However, if the test comes up positive we are required to send it off for confirmatory testing which costs another $100 cash and takes another couple of days.”

AD: Lynn Grant For Kansas Representative District 2

Lynn Grant. Submitted photo.

Lynn D. Grant, the longtime city councilor and widow of 10-term Kansas legislator Bob Grant, is running for her late husband’s seat representing Kansas State House District 2.

Kansas State House of Representatives District 2 includes most of Crawford County, the eastern 1/3 of Allen and Neosho Counties, and a small portion of SW Bourbon County.

“I have been involved in the community that is SEK for over 50 years,” said Grant, who was born in Overland Park, but moved southeast to attend Pittsburg State University and never left. “This is my home. Now I hope to honor Bob’s legacy by representing the constituents of the second district in Topeka.”

Here are the key issues, Grant said:

Transportation   Good highways, bridges and railways are essential to not only the safety of Kansans, but to the positive economic development needed in Southeast Kansas. Locally, US 69 must always be a top priority and Highway 7 north of Girard needs critical attention.

Jobs/economy    In order to attract businesses that will create full time, good paying jobs, I will support efforts to establish responsible tax policies and to protect education and infrastructure.

Public Education    I am passionate about the Legislature supporting public education. That begins with fair funding of early childhood through post-secondary education, be it technical, trade or higher education, so all students have endless possibilities for their future. Good education is the cornerstone for a good society. It is also the best investment we can make for the good of our communities.

Local government control    Representatives to local government know our needs, priorities and are elected by the people in their community. I object to the current trend of the state making decisions for local governments and handing down mandates that adversely affect the ability of local governments to do their jobs.

Health Care   I believe that all Kansans deserve affordable health care.  I will fight the tax policies and callous decisions that have contributed to lack of adequate treatment and facilities for those who undergo any kind of illness. Expansion of Medicaid MUST be on the table in the next Legislative session. We are judged by the way we treat our most vulnerable.

Higher Ed   Kansas must support the institutions that allow students to pursue a college education. Post-secondary education enables people to learn and follow a path to a productive life no matter what course of study they choose. These institutions are drivers in economical benefits for their communities through employment and the services required for students.

Judiciary   There are three, separate, independent branches of government because those checks and balances are essential to maintaining a system that is of, by and for the people.

Food Insecurity   With the decline of our small towns and their grocery stores, Kansas is beginning to experience “food deserts.” This doesn’t mean the food is not available, but that healthy food is increasingly hard to get. The United States Department of Agriculture defines food insecurity as “limited or uncertain availability of nutritionally adequate and safe foods . . .”

People are getting fed but not in a way that contributes to overall good health.

We need to examine ways to rectify that to protect people of all ages in our communities.

 

* I respect all life from the preborn to those making end of life decisions. Health care, care for women before and after giving birth, education, fighting poverty, providing safe homes for foster children, taking care of our seniors, respecting the dignity of all. This is all pro-life.

*I respect the 2nd Amendment and have never considered taking away guns as an option. I have always supported reasonable, safe  gun ownership.

Lynn Grant. Submitted photo.

Paid for by Grant for Kansas, Becky Messinger, Treasurer

 

AD: Nancy Ingle For Kansas Senate Dist. 13

(click to watch video on youtube)

“I will always put SE Kansas FIRST!
Our communities deserve the best schools for our children, safe highways, access to quality, affordable healthcare, and economic development.”

  • Born & raised in Southeast Kansas
  • Graduate of Pittsburg High School
  • Graduate of Kansas State Teachers College, now Pittsburg State
  • Law degree from Washburn University
  • Former assistant county attorney in the Crawford County Attorney’s office
  • Former assistant of policy for Governor John Carlin
  • Dedicated 20 years of career to protecting the rights and medical care of patients of clinical trials

Please contact me if you have questions:
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: Nancy Ingle for State Senate

Paid for by Ingle for State Senate, Steve Langerot, Treasurer.

Peerless Expands to Iola

Governor Laura Kelly Announces Peerless Products Expansion to Create Over 100 Jobs in Iola

~ Peerless Expansion Represents Largest Job Announcement in Allen County Since 1994~

IOLA – Governor Laura Kelly today celebrated the announcement of Peerless Products, Inc., purchasing a 150,000-square-foot facility in Iola to expand its production capability.

Peerless estimates the expansion will create 100 to 120 new full-time jobs in Iola over the next five years, with a capital investment of $10.35 million.

“Peerless is a fantastic, homegrown Kansas company with a long history in Fort Scott. I appreciate its leadership team recognizing all that Iola and the entire Southeast Kansas region has to offer, and for choosing to expand in Allen County,” Governor Kelly said. “With our engaged team at the Kansas Department of Commerce, my administration will continue to identify new and dynamic business opportunities, build relationships, and support further economic projects in Allen County and across our state.”

Governor Kelly joined Scheduling and Purchasing Manager for Peerless Products Josh Granere, Iola Mayor Jonathan Wells, Thrive Allen County President and CEO Lisse Regher, and Secretary of Commerce David Toland for today’s ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Kansas-based Peerless produces high-performance architectural aluminum windows and doors for new construction, replacement and historical construction for high-rise and institutional buildings. The expansion of its operations will allow the company to begin to diversify its product line by moving into commercial windows.

“I’m honored to help celebrate a significant economic development win for our state—one that marks the beginning of a new chapter for Peerless Products and the workforce in Iola and Southeast Kansas,” Secretary Toland said. “Congratulations to Peerless and to our local partners on making this ambitious vision for growth a reality.”

“With our continued growth in Fort Scott, where we currently have 400 employees, we needed to find additional space for the creation and production of our new G800 product line that we believe will be a leader in commercial low-rise windows,” President of Peerless Products Coby Jones said. “We pride ourselves in being best in class, and we intend to continue and build upon that reputation in Iola.”

The State of Kansas, City of Iola and Allen County partnered to secure the Peerless expansion project, which is the largest job announcement in Allen County since 1994.

The below photos are available for media use:

https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Peerless-1.jpg

https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Peerless-2.jpg

https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Peerless-3.jpg

https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Peerless-4.jpg

Bourbon County Commission Agenda for Oct. 28

Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

Date: October 28, 2020

1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________

3rd District-Clifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

 

MEETING WILL BE HELD VIA PHONE. PUBLIC MAY ACCESS MEETING BY CALLING

620-724-9910 USING CODE 677638. LIMITED ACCESS.

 

9:00 AM – Bill Martin, COVID19 Leave Pay

Halloween Tips for Safe Kids

Governor Laura Kelly, Safe Kids Kansas Offer Safe Halloween Tips for Trick-or-Treaters

TOPEKA –Governor Laura Kelly today joined Safe Kids Kansas to encourage Kansas families to seek creative alternatives for regular Halloween activities that will encourage safety and mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

“It is unfortunate that this year, Halloween will look a little bit different for Kansas kids,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “But by using commonsense safety measures, families can still enjoy holiday fun while limiting the spread of COVID-19. I encourage all Kansans to read and follow Safe Kids Kansas’ commonsense guidelines this weekend.”

The safety guidelines are as follows:

Planning Your Costume:

  • When selecting a costume, make sure it is the right size to prevent trips and falls, whether around the house or on the street.
  • For greater visibility, decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers and, if possible, choose light colored clothing.
  • Choose non-toxic face paint and make-up whenever possible to ensure kids can see because a full-face Halloween masks can obstruct a child’s vision.
  • Facemasks to protect from COVID should not be decorated with paint or magic markers as they can be toxic.

When Halloween activities take you outside the home – Tips for Kids:

  • Have kids carry glow sticks or flashlights or put retroreflective tape on costumes to help children see and be seen by drivers.
  • Use sidewalks whenever possible and only cross the street at corners and crosswalks. Look left, right and left again when crossing the street and make eye contact or wave at any drivers stopped at the intersection to make sure they see you.
  • Put electronic devices down. Keep eyes up, not down at your screen, when walking and crossing the street.
  • Watch for cars that are turning or backing up. Teach children to never dart out into the street or cross between parked cars and be especially careful around driveways and alleys.
  • Join kids under age 12 for trick-or-treating. If kids are mature enough to be out without supervision, tell them to stick to familiar areas that are well lit, stay on sidewalks if available, and trick-or-treat in small groups. Make sure they have a phone in case of emergencies, but remind them not to let it be a distraction.

When Halloween activities take you outside the home – Tips for drivers:

  • Be especially alert and take extra time to look for kids at intersections, on medians and on curbs. Children are excited on Halloween and may move in unpredictable ways.
  • Slow down in residential neighborhoods. Remember that popular trick-or-treating hours are 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.
  • Reduce any distractions inside your car, such as talking on the phone or eating, so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings.

When you’re planning Halloween activities at home:

  • Use glow sticks and battery-powered fake candles to light up jack-o-lanterns instead of real candles. This will help prevent burns from open flames.
  • Let adults do the carving.  Children can do the designing and scooping out pumpkin seeds, but when it comes to sharp knives, leave the carving to the grown-ups.
  • Keep decorations away from open flames, light bulbs and heaters. Paper decorations and things like cornstalks can catch fire easily. Double check to make sure smoke alarms are working correctly and review your fire escape plan with your family in case there is a fire.
  • Store household cleaning products out of children’s reach and sight. We all have additional cleaning products and disinfectants in the home right now and young kids are often eye-level with items on counters and under kitchen and bathroom sinks. So, remember to keep cleaning supplies and hand sanitizers where children can’t reach them and save the Poison Help number in your phone in case there is an emergency: 1-800-222-1222.

For KDHE guidance on safely celebrating Halloween during the COVID19 pandemic, visit https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1468/KDHE-Guidance-for-Celebrating-Halloween-PDF—92320

For more tips and resources to keep kids safe from injuries during the pandemic – including our Parents Guide – visit our Coronavirus Resources page at https://www.safekids.org/parents-guide-child-safety.

Additional Halloween ideas, guidelines and recommendations, are available through the Centers For Disease Control and the American Academy of Pediatrics.

###

About Safe Kids Kansas

Safe Kids Kansas works to prevent childhood injury, the leading cause of death and disability to children. Safe Kids Kansas is a member of Safe Kids Worldwide, a global network of organizations dedicated to preventing injuries in children. Coalition members include over 70 statewide organizations, agencies and businesses and a network of local coalitions across the state. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment serves as the Lead Agency for the coalition.

Visit us at www.safekidskansas.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Wreaths Across America

Wreaths Across America

Remember Honor Teach

Sponsor a Wreath Today!
For Fort Scott National Cemetery

Your $15 Donation *made payable to
“Wreaths Across America”

Places a Wreath on a Veteran’s Grave for the Christmas Season
GIVE TODAY!

*Your $15 Donation is fully tax deductible as allowed by law

Mail or Drop donations @ Stewart Reality 1707 South National Ave. Fort Scott, KS

Email us at [email protected] for a link
Scan the PayPal QR Code

For questions please call 620-224-7054 or 620-223-6700

Sponsor a Wreath Today!
For Fort Scott National Cemetery

Your $15 Donation *made payable to
“Wreaths Across America”

Places a Wreath on a Veteran’s Grave for the Christmas Season
GIVE TODAY!

*Your $15 Donation is fully tax deductible as allowed by law

Bourbon County Ballot For Nov. 3

COUNTY CLERK’S NOTICE OF CANDIDATES TO BE VOTED ON

AT THE GENERAL ELECTION NOVEMBER 3, 2020

 

State of Kansas County of Bourbon

 

In compliance with K.S.A. 25-105, and the General Election Laws of the State of Kansas, I submit herewith the list of National, State and District Candidates certified to me by the Secretary of State, and the list of those filed as candidates in Bourbon County in the forthcoming General Election to be held, Tuesday, November 3, 2020.

 

And, I hereby give further notice that the election will be held in the voting places listed below in Bourbon County, Kansas, and that the polls will be opened and closed at the regular time specified by law for the conduct of elections.  All precincts in the county will open at 7:00 am and will close at 7:00 pm.

 

Sales Tax Question on the ballot:

 

To vote in favor of any question

submitted upon the ballot, darken

the oval to the left of the word

“YES”;

to vote against it, darken

the oval to the left of the word

“NO”.

 

Shall the following be adopted?

Shall Bourbon County, Kansas,

levy (renew) a one percent

countywide retailers’ sales tax to

take effect on July 1, 2021, and

expire on June 30, 2031, with the

allocated shares pursuant to

K.S.A. 2019 Supp. 12-192 to be

used as follows: (1) to Bourbon

County, for the purpose of

maintenance and construction of

hard surface roads, and (2) to

each city located in Bourbon

County, for the purpose of

providing funding for public

services?

 

Residents living in the City of Fort Scott vote at the following locations:

1st Ward       Community Christian Church – 1919 S Horton, Fort Scott

2nd Ward       Grace Baptist Church – 502 S Margrave, Fort Scott

3rd Ward       Grace Baptist Church – 502 S Margrave, Fort Scott

4th Ward       Community Christian Church – 1919 S Horton, Fort Scott

5th Ward       Community Christian Church – 1919 S Horton, Fort Scott

6th Ward       Community Christian Church – 1919 S Horton, Fort Scott

7th Ward       Grace Baptist Church – 502 S Margrave, Fort Scott

 

Residents living out in the county vote at the following locations:

Drywood       Grace Baptist Church – 502 S Margrave, Fort Scott

Franklin        Mapleton Community Building – 565 Eldora, Mapleton, KS

Freedom      Fulton Community Building – 408 West Osage, Fulton, KS

East Marion  Uniontown City Hall – 206 Sherman Street, Uniontown, KS

West Marion Bronson Community Building – 504 Clay Street, Bronson, KS

Marmaton     Redfield City Hall – 312 N Pine, Redfield, KS

Millcreek       Redfield City Hall – 312 N Pine, Redfield, KS

Osage          Fulton Community Building – 408 West Osage, Fulton, KS

Pawnee       Redfield City Hall – 312 N Pine, Redfield, KS

North Scott   Community Christian Church – 1919 S Horton, Fort Scott

South Scott  Grace Baptist Church – 502 S Margrave, Fort Scott

Timberhill      Mapleton Community Building – 565 Eldora, Mapleton, KS

Walnut         Uniontown City Hall – 206 Sherman Street, Uniontown, KS

 

NATIONAL AND STATE OFFICES
For President and Vice-President of the United States
Joseph R. Biden / Kamala D. Harris 1209 Barley Mill Road

Wilmington, DE 19807

Democratic
Donald J. Trump / Michael R. Pence                     1100 S. Ocean Blvd.

Palm Beach, FL 33480

Republican
Jo Jorgensen / Jeremy “Spike” Cohen Greenville, SC Libertarian
For United States Senate
  Barbara Bollier 6910 Overhill Road

Mission Hills, KS 66208

Democratic
  Roger Marshall PO Box 1588

Great Bend, KS 67530

Republican
  Jason Buckley 8828 Marty Ln

Overland Park, KS 66212

Libertarian
For US House of Representatives – District 2
Michelle De La Isla 3250 SW Briarwood Dr

Topeka, KS 66611

Democratic
Jake LaTurner 2329 SW Ashworth Pl

Topeka, KS 66614

Republican
Robert Garrard 2287 N 300 Rd

Edgerton, KS 66021

Libertarian
Kansas Senate, District 12
Mike Bruner 1002 Pecan St.

Humboldt, KS 66748

Democratic
Caryn Tyson PO Box 191

Parker, KS 66072

Republican
Kansas Senate, District 13
Nancy J. Ingle 511 E. 21st

Pittsburg, KS 66762

Democratic
Richard Hilderbrand 240 Cleveland Ave

Baxter Springs, KS 66713

Republican
 Kansas House of Representatives, District 2
  Lynn D. Grant 202 S. Appleton

Frontenac, KS 66763

Democratic
  Kenneth Collins 102 E First Street

Mulberry, KS 66756

Republican
Kansas House of Representatives, District 4
  Bill Meyer 14 Golfview Drive

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Democratic
  Trevor Jacobs 1927 Locust Road

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Republican
For County Commissioner – District 2
  Jim Harris 2302 Jayhawk Rd

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Republican
For County Commissioner – District 3
  Clifton Beth 2236 215th,

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Republican
  Phillip G. Hoyt 2422 242nd Terrace

Fulton, KS 66738

Democratic
For County Clerk
  Kendell Dawn Mason 2 S Eddy

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Republican
For County Treasurer
  Patty Love 901 Shepherd St

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Republican
For Register of Deeds
  Lora Holdridge 1814 Richards Rd

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Republican
For County Attorney
  Jacqie Spradling PO Box 576

Spring Hill, KS 66083

Republican
For County Sheriff
  Mike Feagins 1964 Justice Rd

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Democratic
  Bill Martin 502 Meadow Ln

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Republican
TOWNSHIP TRUSTEE
Drywood Richard Cullison, Jr. 506 260th

Garland, KS 66741

Republican
Franklin Tony Bradbury 631 Soldier Rd.

Bronson, KS 66716

Republican
Freedom Janice Seested 2330 215th St.

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Republican
Marion Steve Geiger 1121 Hwy 3

Uniontown, KS 66779

Republican
Marmaton David Duffey 1201 Locust Rd

Redfield, KS 66769

Republican
Millcreek Yvonne Beck 1821 159th Street

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Republican
Osage Brian Wade 2618 Soldier Rd.

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Democratic
Pawnee Karen A. Endicott-Coyan 1635 Fern Rd

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Republican
Scott Jim Sackett 2019 Maple Rd

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Republican
Timberhill Dan Laughlin 2275 105th St.

Mapleton, KS 66754

Republican
Walnut No Republican or Democratic Candidates filed
TOWNSHIP TREASURER
Drywood No Republican or Democratic Candidates filed
Franklin No Republican or Democratic Candidates filed
Freedom Karen A. Paddock 608 W Cedar St.

Fulton, KS 66738

Republican
Marion Rex Wilson 905 Clay St.

Bronson, KS 66716

Republican
Marmaton Wilma K. Graham 102 W 4th

Redfield, KS 66769

Democratic
Millcreek Betty L. Graham 1458 Tomahawk Rd

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Democratic
Osage Kathleen Valentine 2638 Tomahawk Rd

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Republican
Pawnee Sharon Middleton 1374 Eagle Rd

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Democratic
Scott Harold Rogers 2189 Ironwood Rd

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Republican
Timberhill David Scharenberg 1045 Yale Rd

Mapleton, KS 66754

Republican
Walnut No Republican or Democratic Candidates filed
 
STATE OF KANSAS OFFICIAL JUDICIAL BALLOT
Supreme Court Justice, Court of Appeals Judges, District Court Judges and District Magistrate Judge
Question #1, Shall the following Supreme Court Justice be retained in office?
Eric S. Rosen 1928 S.W. Indian Woods Ln.

Topeka, KS 66611

Position 4
Question #2, Shall the following Court of Appeals Judges be retained in office?
Sarah E. Warner Kansas Judicial Center

301 SW 10th Ave

Topeka, KS 66612

Position 4
David E. Bruns Olathe Position 6
G. Gordon Atcheson 301 SW 10th Ave

Topeka, KS 66612

Position 8
Karen M. Arnold-Burger 301 SW 10th Ave

Topeka, KS 66612

Position 9
Kathryn Gardner 301 SW 10th Ave

Topeka, KS 66612

Position 14
 
Question #3, Shall the following Judges of the District Court be retained in office?
  Terri L Johnson PO Box 311

Pleasanton, KS 66075

District 6, Division 2
  Mark A. Ward 829 190th St

Fort Scott, KS 66701

District 6, Division 3

 

  Steven C. Montgomery 22404 S. Roosevelt St.

Spring Hill, KS 66083

District 6, Division 4
 
Question #4, Shall the following Judge of the District Magistrate be retained in office?
  Valorie R. Leblanc 210 S. National

Fort Scott, KS 66701

District 6
Shall the following be adopted?

Shall Bourbon County, Kansas,

levy (renew) a one percent

countywide retailers’ sales tax to

take effect on July 1, 2021, and

expire on June 30, 2031, with the

allocated shares pursuant to

K.S.A. 2019 Supp. 12-192 to be

used as follows: (1) to Bourbon

county, for the purpose of

maintenance and construction of

hard surface roads, and (2) to

each city located in Bourbon

county, for the purpose of

providing funding for public services?

Kendell Mason, County Clerk &

(SEAL)                                                              Bourbon County Election Officer

Small Business Development Center: In Bourbon County Nov. 2

Kansas Small Business Development Center Offers New Business Support Kiosk to Bourbon County Residents

PITTSBURG, Kan. – The Kansas Small Business Development Center (SBDC) will be launching their new Business Support Kiosk to provide no-cost consulting services to small businesses in the Bourbon County area.

The Kansas SBDC Business Support Kiosk will launch on November 2nd inside the Bourbon County Workforce and Entrepreneur Resource Center located at 17 N. Main in Fort Scott, Kansas. The Kiosk will have a mixture of in-person support and daily walk-in video conference support. Support available will include COVID-19 business programs, steps to starting a business, industry research, training seminars, and access to additional SBDC experts across the state.

We want to give current businesses the tools to build sustainable business models with the capital and resources needed,” said Jody Hoener, Bourbon County Economic Director. “The Kansas SBDC has a track record of supplying small businesses with industry reports, business planning templates, and resources needed for long term success.”

Hoener also stated that having the Kansas SBDC’s certified personnel is crucial for the community’s economy and small businesses moving forward.

It’s nice helping bring this enhanced service to my hometown,” said Dacia Clark, Assistant Director for the Kansas SBDC at Pittsburg State University. “We want to give special thanks to the City of Fort Scott and Bourbon County for their continued support of the Kansas SBDC program.”

About the Kansas SBDC: The Kansas Small Business Development Center at Pittsburg State University serves as the regional consulting resource for the small business owner. Whether it’s an existing business looking to boost sales or a start-up trying to get off the ground, we provide our customers with quality professional and personal care. Funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Kansas Department of Commerce, and Pittsburg State University, a majority of our services come at no cost to the local business. Learn more about the Kansas SBDC at http://www.pittstatesmallbusiness.com/.

 

Complete and Return Advance Ballots

Governor Kelly and KHLAAC Remind Voters with Advance Ballots to Complete and Return

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly and The Voter Turnout Project of the Kansas Hispanic & Latino American Affairs Commission (KHLAAC) urge all voters who requested advance ballots by mail to vote with their mailed ballots

“As a reminder to those who have requested advance ballots—make sure you use the ballot that was mailed to you, rather than going to a polling site and receiving a provisional ballot,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “If you already requested a ballot to be sent to you, wait for it to arrive, then mail it back, or drop it at your county election office or local ballot drop box.”

Voters who requested an advance by mail ballot but choose to cast their ballot in person will be given a provisional ballot to ensure they only vote once. Provisional ballots are not counted until following the election—during the county canvass.

“Due to the pandemic and increased participation in voting, many voters are trying to understand what voting options they have if they have requested a ballot by mail,” Executive Director of the KHLAAC Aude Negrete said,” If a voter has requested a ballot by mail, they should complete the ballot that was mailed to them and then return it to the election office. If they choose to vote in-person, they will have to cast a provisional ballot that won’t be counted until after the election. Many counties have set up drop boxes that voters may use to return their ballot if they opt to return it in person instead of mailing it back.”

If a voter is unsure as to if they have requested a ballot, they can find that information on the Secretary of State website at https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/VoterView.

The Latino Voter Turnout project of the Kansas Hispanic & Latino American Affairs Commission (KHLAAC) is a collaboration of with over twenty Kansas Latino agencies to increase voter engagement in the community. More information about KHLAAC’s efforts visit: https://khlaac.ks.gov/voto-latino