The key local seats on Douglas County voters’ ballots in 2026 are the District 1, 4 and 5 seats on the Douglas County Commission. Districts 1 and 4 were decided in the Aug. 4 primary, but District 5 will be decided in the general election.
Many statewide seats are also on the ballot this year, including Kansas governor, secretary of state, attorney general, state treasurer, commissioner of insurance and several seats in the House of Representatives. There will also be ballot questions on the primary and general election ballots.
Federal offices, including the Senate seat currently held by Republican Roger Marshall and the House of Representatives seats held by Republicans Tracey Mann and Derek Schmidt, are also on the ballot.
Polling places will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on General Election Day, which is Tuesday, Nov. 3.
Voters must present a photo ID to cast their ballots in person. If you are in line to vote by 7 p.m. on Election Day, you will be allowed to cast your ballot.
If you need to check on your voter registration, find your polling place or check whether these races will be on your ballot, visit myvoteinfo.voteks.org.
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Key Election 2026 coverage and primary results
Douglas County voters: Here’s the info you need to cast your ballot in the Aug. 4, 2026 election
All registered Kansas voters can cast ballots in the Aug. 4 primary election. Here’s a guide to help Douglas County voters make informed decisions on county, state and federal races.
Jacob Rice / Lawrence Times
Douglas County Commission election results: Kelly to hold seat, Spurling to oust incumbent
Douglas County Commissioner Patrick Kelly will hold his longtime seat, and newcomer Ethan Spurling has ousted incumbent Gene Dorsey.
Nathan Kramer / Lawrence Times
Douglas County Democrats cheer amendment failure; Wikle to retain House seat
Attendees at the Douglas County Democrats’ watch party in downtown Lawrence celebrated the failure of a proposed constitutional amendment as well as local candidates’ successes. Rep. Suzanne Wikle will retain her house seat.
More Election 2026 coverage
U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall, United Methodist pastor Adam Hamilton to compete in November
Incumbent U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall will face United Methodist pastor Adam Hamilton in November’s U.S. Senate election, according to race calls from the Associated Press.
Kansas Democrats, Republicans firm up teams for statewide office contests
Primary election results brought few surprises for statewide offices as most candidates ran unopposed. The lone exception was a skirmish between Democrats Jennifer Day and Samuel Lane.
Nathan Kramer / Lawrence Times
Douglas County Democrats cheer amendment failure; Wikle to retain House seat
Attendees at the Douglas County Democrats’ watch party in downtown Lawrence celebrated the failure of a proposed constitutional amendment as well as local candidates’ successes. Rep. Suzanne Wikle will retain her house seat.
Jacob Rice / Lawrence Times
Douglas County Commission election results: Kelly to hold seat, Spurling to oust incumbent
Douglas County Commissioner Patrick Kelly will hold his longtime seat, and newcomer Ethan Spurling has ousted incumbent Gene Dorsey.
Who’s running for Kansas secretary of state in 2026? Here’s a guide
The secretary of state is in charge of responding to important questions regarding Kansas elections. The candidates running for the office have different answers.
Kansas Supreme Court declines to take emergency appeal of election law
The Kansas Supreme Court declined an expedited review of lower court decisions temporarily blocking enforcement of a state law that repeals the three-day grace period for mail-in ballots.
Jacob Rice / Lawrence Times
Lawrence drag performers to host Vote No Drag Show days before primary election
Local drag performers will host a benefit show aiming to educate voters three days ahead of Kansas’ primary election.
Douglas County voters: Here’s the info you need to cast your ballot in the Aug. 4, 2026 election
All registered Kansas voters can cast ballots in the Aug. 4 primary election. Here’s a guide to help Douglas County voters make informed decisions on county, state and federal races.
U.S. House candidate who lost job to DOGE campaigns on grassroots fundraising, rural Kansas issues
Democratic candidate Lauren Reinhold decided to run for Congress in Kansas after DOGE eliminated her federal position.
Kansas business law expert strives for competitive balance in U.S. House race
Kansas congressional candidate Colin McRoberts tells potential voters the 1st District has gone long enough without representation by someone who really wanted the job.
Who’s running to represent Kansas in the U.S. Senate in 2026? Here’s a guide to the candidates
Eight Democrats, a Republican and a Libertarian are challenging first-term Republican Sen. Roger Marshall in the race to represent Kansas in the U.S. Senate.
Who’s running for Kansas governor in 2026? Here’s a guide to the candidates
Here’s a guide to the numerous candidates running for Kansas governor in 2026.
What to know about Kansas’ proposed judicial selection amendment on your ballot
Voters are staring down a complicated constitutional amendment question on their ballots. Here’s what you should know to cast an informed vote on judicial selection.
Who’s running for Congress in Kansas’ 2nd District? Here’s a guide to the candidates
Republican Derek Schmidt is defending his congressional seat against a challenger within his own party and two other hopefuls. The 2nd District covers much of eastern Kansas, including Douglas County outside of Lawrence.
Jacob Rice / Lawrence Times
Douglas County Commission candidates discuss affordability, development and data centers at forum
Douglas County Commission candidates discussed data centers, development of county wetlands and farmlands, budget priorities, NDAs and more at a forum Thursday evening.
Kansas judge issues injunction temporarily blocking repeal of voters’ 3-day grace period
A Douglas County judge issued a temporary injunction Thursday to allow the counting of advance mail ballots postmarked by Election Day but arriving at county offices up to three days after polls closed.
Should Kansas elect Supreme Court justices? Here’s how you can vote
Every registered Kansas voter has a chance to weigh in on a proposed constitutional amendment that would change to electing state Supreme Court justices. Early voting is underway.
Meet the candidates running for Kansas House District 10
Two Democrats are running to represent parts of central, eastern and southeastern Lawrence as the representative for House District 10. Here’s where they stand on some key issues.
Meet the candidates running for Douglas County Commission District 1
Two Democrats are running to represent parts of northern, northwestern and central Lawrence as the Douglas County commissioner for District 1. Here’s where they stand on key local issues.
Meet the candidates running for Douglas County Commission District 4
Two Democrats are running to represent Eudora, parts of eastern Lawrence, and east-central Douglas County as the commissioner for District 4. Here’s where they stand on key local issues.
General election dates to know:
• Tuesday, Oct. 13 — The final day to register to vote or update your voter registration for the general election. Douglas County voters can register quickly and/or request a mail ballot online at KSVotes.org.
• Wednesday, Oct. 14 — In-person advance voting begins, and advance ballots are mailed.
• Tuesday, Oct. 27 — The final day to request a mail ballot.
• Monday, Nov. 2 — In-person advance voting ends at noon.
• Tuesday, Nov. 3 — Election Day! Polling places are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Find your polling place at this link.
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Primary election dates that have passed:
• Monday, June 1 — The deadline to file for office (or remove your name from the ballot), at noon. Find information about filing for office on Douglas County’s website at this link.
• Tuesday, July 14 — The final day to register to vote or update your voter registration for the primary election. Douglas County voters can register quickly and/or request a mail ballot online at KSVotes.org.
• Wednesday, July 15 — In-person advance voting begins, and advance ballots are mailed.
• Tuesday, July 28 — The final day to request a mail ballot.
• Monday, Aug. 3 — In-person advance voting ends at noon.
• Tuesday, Aug. 4 — Election Day! Polling places are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Find your polling place at this link. The elections office must receive all advance ballots by 7 p.m.
