Wichita Voter Misinformation Raises Legal Concerns

Incorrect Voting Information Raises Concerns Ahead of Wichita Sales Tax Vote

Some Wichita voters received incorrect voting information ahead of the upcoming city-wide 1% sales tax vote, sparking concerns about voter confusion and potential impacts on turnout.

Wichita Forward, the organization that originally proposed the sales tax to the city council, distributed mailers containing advance ballot applications with inaccurate deadlines and voting times. The misstep has drawn attention from election integrity advocates and county officials who worry about the consequences of such errors.

“It’s harmful because it can be confusing people, panicking that, well, if I have to get my advance mail-in ballot and have it in by the 24th, I might as well not even bother to vote,” said Nancy Brown with the League of Women Voters, highlighting how even unintentional mistakes can discourage participation.

Brown emphasized that misinformation disproportionately impacts vulnerable voter groups. “They don’t know what to think. They don’t know how to vote. They don’t know where to go to get correct information,” she said, referring specifically to new voters and recently naturalized citizens who may be less familiar with electoral processes.

Sedgwick County District Attorney Marc Bennett told KSN that incorrect voting information could potentially cross into illegal territory depending on the circumstances.

“You’re looking at the act, and then you’re looking at the intent that’ll determine whether or not there was a crime that was committed,” Bennett explained. “We’re looking primarily for people who are doing something to try to infringe on someone’s constitutional right to cast a vote.”

The district attorney stressed that organizations distributing election-related materials bear significant responsibility for accuracy. “It’s incumbent upon you to go back and double-check the rules… because there could be consequences for the mistakes,” he warned.

The situation occurs at a critical time for Wichita, where voters are preparing to decide on a significant 1% city-wide sales tax measure. The proposal has been contentious, with supporters arguing it would fund essential infrastructure and services, while opponents express concerns about the financial impact on residents, particularly those with lower incomes.

Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab weighed in on the controversy, advising voters to rely on official sources: “Third-party mailers and unsolicited ballot applications can create confusion, so I encourage Kansans to rely on trusted information from their county election office or the Kansas Secretary of State.”

When contacted by KSN, Wichita Forward referenced their previously issued statement and apology from Saturday, which acknowledged the error. Their statement emphasized that their goal remains “to encourage people to vote early, vote confidently, and ensure their voice is counted,” while urging voters to consult official election sources for definitive information.

The incident highlights broader concerns about election information integrity, particularly as local elections often receive less attention yet directly impact community services and tax rates. Election officials nationwide have increasingly emphasized the importance of voters obtaining information from official government sources rather than third-party organizations.

Adding to potential confusion, the Sedgwick County Election Office recently announced that 11 polling sites will be unavailable on March 3, affecting more than 26,000 registered voters. Officials indicated that affected voters should have received mail notifications about these changes.

For Wichita voters navigating these changes, several key dates remain important: February 10 is the deadline to register to vote; early in-person voting begins February 17; the deadline to request an advance mail-in ballot is February 24; and Election Day is March 3, with polls open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Election officials strongly recommend that all voters verify their polling locations before Election Day to ensure they can cast their ballots without complications. Voters can check their assigned polling sites through the Kansas Voter Information Portal or by contacting the Sedgwick County Election Office directly.