May 20, 2020

Applications for ballots going to all registered voters in county

Posted May 20, 2020 8:45 PM
A ballot application like this one is being sent out to all Reno County registered voters to give them the option of voting with a mail-out ballot in both the primary and general elections. More than 33,000 of the applications went in the mail this week.
A ballot application like this one is being sent out to all Reno County registered voters to give them the option of voting with a mail-out ballot in both the primary and general elections. More than 33,000 of the applications went in the mail this week.

By ROD ZOOK

Hutch Post

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County Elections Office announced Thursday that, in response to COVID-19, it is sending a mailer this week to all active registered voters that includes an application for the primary election, general election and a party declaration card. 

“We’ve been contacted a lot about people wanting to know what their options are,” Elections Clerk Jenna Fager said. “We decided it would be a good idea to put something out so those people who do not feel comfortable going to the polling location have another option.”

This is an application for the ballot to be mailed to you just like any other mail-out ballot during the election. The ballot must be returned to the clerk's office by the end of the primary or election day at 7 p.m., or postmarked on the day of the primary or general election. 

Return postage is paid. If anyone is reluctant to go to the polls to vote, they have the option to use these applications to vote by mail. The ballots will be sent out 20 days before the election.

Fager says they have mailed out about 33,000 of the applications and hopes that it will improve voter turnout.