Masks optional at August primary, social distancing encouraged

Secretary of State Scott Schwab says Kansas voters will be allowed to vote without a mask during the Aug. 4 primary election.

“Our priority has been, and continues to be, ensuring every Kansan has the opportunity to exercise their right to vote in the 2020 election,” Schwab said.

Schwab’s guidance to county election officials, issued last week, states no person should be turned away from a polling place for wearing or not wearing a mask. He emphasized that according to the Kansas Constitution, there are only three criteria to vote in Kansas: age, citizenship and residence.

“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. “Voter intimidation or suppression based on the use or non-use of a face mask will not be tolerated and is subject to litigation.”

Schwab’s office encouraged voters to maintain social distancing when in line and follow safety protocols from health professionals. Voters will be given disposable stylus pens for use on paper ballots or voting machinery.

Every polling location in Kansas will be provided personal protective equipment kits containing masks, gloves, disinfectant, hand sanitizer and Plexiglas face masks.