Understanding Wyandotte County Elections

Published on September 21, 2021

Information regarding the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas’ control over local elections was factually inaccurate in a September 20, 2021 editorial by the Kansas City Star (“Multiple KCK candidates question primary election tallies but who will investigate?”).

In the state of Kansas, the four largest counties – Johnson, Sedgwick, Shawnee, and Wyandotte – have an election commissioner who is appointed by the Secretary of State. The Kansas statutes clearly lay out the procedures to use for disputing the results of a primary or general municipal election in the state.  The complainants mentioned in the editorial did not follow state law in disputing the recent primary election and the Unified Government has filed a motion on behalf of the election commissioner to dismiss their filing.  The Legislature provides for an administrative hearing on primary election objections before a board made up of the election commissioner, the district attorney, and another local elected official “whose position is not involved in the controversy”.  The origins of the statute date back to 1893.  The editorial has taken mere allegations as fact in this matter. 

Federal law also provides for complaints for any alleged violations of Title III of the Help America Vote Act of 2002.  The Secretary of State has a process for individuals who wish to file that complaint within 30 days after the incident.  Upon receipt of the complaint, the Secretary of State mails a copy of the complaint to the state or local election officer against whom the complaint is filed.

The role of the Unified Government in elections is limited to providing logistical and administrative support to the Election Office in order to support free and fair elections for the residents of Wyandotte County.

With an upcoming election on November 2, 2021, we request that media provide an opportunity for comment and verification of the facts by the Unified Government when being mentioned. Misinformation not only creates confusion, it undermines the democratic process and reputation of our organization.   

Media Contact:    Ashley Z. Hand, AIA, LEED AP BD+C
Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, KS
azhand@wycokck.org
d. 913-573-5544