Voters in Johnson County participate in the first day of early voting

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. — Early voting has begun in more counties across Kansas, including Johnson and Wyandotte Counties, as voters take advantage of the early voting period ahead of a major general election.

Johnson County, one of the state’s largest counties, saw particularly high turnout just an hour after doors opened.

“We have over 3,000 people who voted in the first hour this Saturday,” said Johnson County Election Commissioner Fred Sherman.

Voters are already lining up in the early hours of the morning. The lines stretched far out throughout the day.

“People waited 30 to 40 minutes to get in line and then cast their vote and go back into the area,” Sherman said.

For many voters like Peter Pizor, standing in line meant waiting for his voice to be heard.

“I’m 78, so I think this is the most important election in my life,” Pizor said. “I’m a disabled Vietnam veteran, so voting is important to me.” And I heard some comments from one of the candidates about veterans and how he belittles them. And I’m here to vote the other way.”

Despite the wait, many voters were just happy to be there.

“It was a rewarding experience. It wasn’t difficult at all. “The short break in line was an opportunity to reflect on what we did,” said David Vinson.

Election officials in Kansas are expecting a large turnout in the primary for this year’s general election.

“We’re driving at a speed of 3,000 per hour for the first two hours. If we maintained this pace for the entire 122 hours of early voting, we might only have five voters on Election Day,” Sherman said.

Only a few weeks until election day. Voters can expect more early voting sites to open starting next week.

“We will be open three Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. We will be opening eight additional locations on October 26th.”

A total of 18 advance voting locations will be opened by November 2nd. Sherman said this gives a chance to those who may not have the opportunity to vote on Election Day.

Those wishing to use early voting must bring a Kansas photo ID. Sherman said it’s also important to prepare beforehand.

“The other thing people can do is prepare to go to the website, go to the Kansas Secretary of State’s voting summary, download a sample ballot and look at all the contests there,” Sherman said.

For more information on early voting site locations, dates and times, please visit their website.
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