Committee advances bill easing format and mailing rules for advance ballot applications

The Kansas Senate Committee on Federal and State Affairs voted to pass Senate Bill 231 favorably, changing certain formatting and mailing requirements for solicited advance ballot applications.

The measure matters to election administrators and third‑party solicitors because it relaxes the appearance and mailing requirements that apply when a person or organization solicits a registered voter to complete and return an application for an advanced ballot.

Jason, a committee staff member, told lawmakers the bill would amend subsection (k) of K.S.A. 25-1122 to require that a solicitor’s information appear on only one page of a mailing, change the required font size from 14 to 10, permit the election date to be preprinted on the application so long as no other portion is precompleted, and replace the requirement for a return envelope addressed to the appropriate county election office with a requirement that the mailing include instructions for how to mail the application to the appropriate office.

Senator Dietrich moved that the committee pass Senate Bill 231 favorably for passage; Senator Starnes seconded. Committee members voiced ‘‘aye’’ and the chair announced the motion passed.

There was no recorded roll‑call tally in the transcript. Committee members said they were awaiting amendments on other bills and that they expected to work additional items during subsequent meetings.

The committee adjourned after noting hearings and work sessions planned for the next day; no further action on Senate Bill 231 was recorded in the transcript beyond the favorable passage vote in committee.