With Election Day just a week away, Reno County Clerk Jenna Fager says early voting is off to a strong start and even outpacing larger counties.
“We started last Monday, and it’s been pretty busy,” Fager said. “Our early voting numbers were actually higher than Sedgwick County’s, which never happens.”
Early Voting and Mail Ballots
Early in-person voting is underway at the Reno County Annex, open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Voters who wish to vote by mail must have their application received by 5 p.m. today (Oct. 28) to receive a ballot.
Ballots can be returned by mail, dropped off at the 24-hour drop box in front of the annex, or delivered to any polling place on Election Day. Ballots must be postmarked by Election Day and received by Friday, Nov. 7, to be counted.
Finding Your Polling Place
Most Hutchinson city voters will cast ballots at the Kansas State Fairgrounds, while others will vote at their assigned precincts. Voters can find their location or preview their ballot at renocountyks.gov under the Elections tab.
Election Day Operations
Poll workers will begin arriving at 6 a.m. to prepare for a 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Election Day. Reno County continues to use paper ballots, with touchscreens and audio options available for accessibility.
“It’s a long day for our poll workers,” Fager said. “They’re there from before sunrise until everything is wrapped up that night.”
Unofficial results are typically available by 9 to 9:30 p.m., depending on how quickly precincts return their materials. Official results are certified during the County Commission’s canvass on Nov. 12, where commissioners review provisional ballots and confirm totals.
“The canvassing board goes through every provisional ballot to determine if it can be legally counted,” Fager explained. “It’s a detailed process, and sometimes it takes the entire day.”
A Veteran Clerk in a New Role
Although this is her first election as the elected County Clerk, Fager is no stranger to the process. She’s worked in the Reno County Clerk’s Office for 20 years, specializing in elections before assuming the top role earlier this year.
“It’s exciting,” she said. “I’ve been part of elections for two decades, but leading the process as county clerk is definitely a new experience.”
For more information about voting locations, sample ballots, and election updates, visit renocountyks.gov/elections.