Due to recent changes made by the Sedgwick County Election Commission, some of the voting locations have changed for the 86th District. Look on your new voting card for your precinct number and location, or consider using Advance Voting.

Following are the major factors taken into account in designating polling places in Sedgwick County in preparation for the 2006 elections.

1. Efficiency in election administration: The effort to increase efficiency and reduce costs has led many counties, including Sedgwick, to reduce the number of polling places. This saves on poll worker hiring and training, voting machine purchase and maintenace, and polling place rental.

2. Compliance with ADA: ADA compliance is a federal mandate, and it has been specifically reinforced by the Help America Vote Act.

3. Voting Population: Equalize the number of registered voters per polling place as much as possible.

4. Two mile radius: Every effort has been made to establish a polling place within a two-mile radius from any voter's place of residence within incorporated areas.

5. Geography: Establish a polling place as close as possible to the center of the geographic area covered by the precincts served by the polling place.

6. Traffic count: Using data provided by the city, establish polling places with easy access.

7. Bus routes: Attempt to establish polling places near bus routes when feasible, especially those that will also be advance polling places.

8. Parking: Provide adequate parking that will be available for voters.

9. Representative districts: Apportion polling places equally among state representative districts to the extent possible.

10. Satellite advance voting: Establish sites that can be used both during satellite advance voting before the election, and on election day.

(Information provided courtesy of Sedgwick County Election Office)

Who is eligible for advance voting by mail?
Any registered voter who wishes to vote in advance of election day is eligible and may apply for an advanced voting ballot. Advance voting begins 20 days before an election and ends at 12:00 Noon the day before the election.

What do I need in order to vote in advance by mail?
A signed application is required before an advance ballot can be issued.
Applications for elections can be mailed to the Sedgwick County Election Office, 510 N. Main, Suite 101, Wichita, KS 67203. See the of Sedgwick County Election Office website for locations and complete instructions.

Where can I get an advance voting application?
Advance voting applications are available here or by calling the Sedgwick County Election Office at 660-7100.

Applications are also available at Sedgwick County Dillon Stores. Voters can go to the Sedgwick County Election office or to the satellite voting location to apply for and vote in advance 13 days before the scheduled election date.

Where do I send my advance voting application?
Signed applications should be mailed to the Election Office at 510 N. Main Street, Suite 101, Wichita, KS 67203.

Where can I get my advance ballot?
Beginning 20 days before the election, an advance ballot will be mailed to one of three locations, specified by the voter:

• Voter’s residential address or mailing address
• Voter’s temporary residential address
• Medical care facility, psychiatric hospital, hospice or adult care home where the voter resides

A voter can also apply and can vote in advance 13 days before the scheduled election in designated locations.
NOTE: The ballot must be voted in secrecy and returned to the Sedgwick County Election Office by the time the polls close on election day.

Is there a number I can call with questions?
For 24-hour voter information call 660-7120.

Note: For additional information regarding Advance Voting for individuals who live abroad, visit http://www.fvap.gov