Early Voting Takes Off in Kansas City
Kansas City, Mo. is buzzing with excitement as early voting is now in full swing, and residents are stepping up to make their voices heard! With election day just around the corner, voters are getting a head start on casting their ballots. Election officials are working hard to reassure everyone that their votes will be counted accurately and securely.
A Peek Behind the Scenes
On October 28, a dedicated team of volunteers gathered to test the voting and tabulation machines—making sure that each ballot will be recorded properly. Every single ballot is placed in the machine, validated, checked, and counted. Election officials follow up by double-checking the machine’s numbers with a hand count to guarantee everything lines up. Once they’re satisfied, the machines are ready to be sent out to various polling locations.
“We’ve been testing machines all week to make sure they all work properly,” said Kansas City Board of Elections director, Shawn Keiffer. “We’ve brought in a sampling of those machines to show they are working properly. We want to build public confidence that their vote is counted accurately and that we have done our job.”
Count on It!
To keep things running smoothly, each polling site will receive at least one tested machine. After the election is over, each machine will undergo a final recheck to ensure all ballots have been accurately counted. This structured process emphasizes the importance of making sure every vote counts.
Riding the Early Voting Wave
In Kansas City, early voter turnout is following a trend that’s being seen all across the metro area—people are eager to cast their votes! According to Keiffer, the city is on track to set early voting records, with an impressive average of about 4,500 votes per day. Isn’t that amazing? It’s great to see such enthusiasm!
Where to Vote Early
For those who are ready to vote early, here are the locations and hours available for Kansas City residents. Make sure to check them out:
- KCEB at the Shops on Blue Parkway – 4407 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Weekdays, Oct. 22 – Nov. 1 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 2 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Monday, Nov. 4 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. - United Believers Community Church – 5600 E. 112th Terrace
Weekdays, Oct. 22 – Nov. 1 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 2 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. - The Whole Person – 3710 Main St.
Weekdays, Oct. 22 – Nov. 1 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 2 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. - The Mount Christian Worship Center – 1800 E 79th St. (Corner of 79th and Paseo)
Weekdays, Oct. 22 – Nov. 1 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 2 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. - Country Club Christian Church – 6101 Ward Parkway
Weekdays, Oct. 22 – Nov. 1 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 2 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. - Palestine Senior Citizen Activity Center – 3325 Prospect Ave.
Weekdays, Oct. 22 – Nov. 1 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 2 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Get Involved!
If you’re in Kansas City, this is your chance to make a difference! Beat the rush on election day and take advantage of early voting opportunities. Whether you’re enthusiastic about sending a message to elected leaders or just want to be a responsible citizen, your voice matters, and that starts with casting your vote!
