Kansas2026Passed Legislature
HB2017
HB2017: Setting a Deadline for Returning Advance Voting Ballots
Last scannedAug 24, 2026, 9:52 AM
In one sentence
This bill requires advance voting ballots to be received by election officials no later than the time polls close on Election Day, with an exception for mailed ballots postmarked by that time and received within three days.
What it does
- Sets a deadline of closing poll times on Election Day for returning advance voting ballots delivered directly or dropped off at polling places to county election officers.
- Allows mail-in ballots to be counted if they are postmarked by the close of polls and received within three days after the election, specifically by 7:00 p.m. on that third day.
- Requires county election officers to deliver valid advance voting ballots to special election boards or county canvassing boards for counting.
- Directs the secretary of state to create rules and regulations to carry out these requirements.
Who it affects
- Voters who use advance voting or mail-in ballots in Kansas
- County election officers responsible for receiving and processing ballots
- Special election boards that count the votes
Limits and unknowns
- This bill passed both chambers of the legislature but later died in committee, so its status as law is uncertain.
- The text does not specify what happens if a ballot arrives after the deadline without being postmarked on time.
- The exact rules for implementation will be decided by the secretary of state and are not detailed in this bill.
Plain language
Terms to know
- Advance voting ballot
- A vote cast before Election Day, either in person or by mail.
- Postmarked
- The date stamped on an envelope showing when it was mailed to the postal service.
Official record
Sources
Official summary
Requiring the return of advance voting ballots by 7:00 p.m. on the day of the election.
Official activity
Bill history
- Died in CommitteeHouse
- Hearing: Thursday, February 6, 2025, 3:30 PM — Room 218-N — CANCELED eventHouse
- Referred to House Committee on ElectionsHouse
- IntroducedHouse