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Politics & Government

Kansas voters can’t be turned away from polls for not wearing a mask, Schwab says

 
 

Kansas voters won’t be required to wear a mask when they head to polls on Aug. 4, Secretary of State Scott Schwab said Friday as the coronavirus sweeps across the state.

In a memo to county officials, Schwab wrote that state law requires registered voters to be allowed to cast a ballot.

“No individual, who is otherwise qualified to vote, shall be turned away from a polling location in Kansas for wearing, or not wearing, a mask,” Schwab said. “Anyone who attempts to intimidate or prevent a voter from voting based on their use or non-use of a face mask is subject to litigation.”

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The directive comes 18 days before the primary election where Republican and Democratic voters will choose nominees for U.S. Senate and House. As Election Day approaches, the coronavirus continues to surge across the state. Health officials on Friday reported more than 1,000 new cases since Wednesday.

An executive order issued by Gov. Laura Kelly requires masks in most public spaces. But the order doesn’t specifically address polling places. The governor’s office didn’t immediately comment Friday.

Most counties have opted out of the order, but the state’s largest counties – including Sedgwick, Johnson, Shawnee, Douglas and Wyandotte – have mask requirements in place. A majority of Kansas residents live in counties or cities that require masks.

Many will likely be able to cast their ballots within a few minutes, meaning they won’t come into prolonged contact with anyone. But lengthy lines could lead to voters in close proximity to unmasked individuals for long periods.

Schwab encouraged Kansans to take recommended safety precautions, including social distancing while in line. In a statement, his office said every polling location in the state has been provided with a kit containing masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, disinfectant and plexiglass shields. Voters will also be given disposable stylus pens to use on paper ballots or election machines.

Still, Schwab made clear he believes masks cannot be required at polling locations.

“Exercising one’s fundamental right to vote is not, and should not be, contingent upon whether or not they choose to wear a mask,” Schwab said.

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