Group behind Wichita sales tax election mails wrong info to thousands of voters

Wichita Forward, the group behind the March 3 election to approve a 1% city sales tax, sent out a mailer with wrong information to “tens of thousands of voters in Wichita,” the Sedgwick County Election Office said Saturday.

The mailer has incorrect information about when mail-in ballots are due and when polls open the day of the election. Mail-in ballots must be turned in by 7 p.m. on Election Day by being dropped off at the drop boxes or the election office. If sent by U.S mail, they must be sent in time to make it to the election office by that 7 p.m. cutoff. And polls open at 7 a.m. on Election Day.

“Voters are encouraged to rely on official election sources for accurate details,” the election office said in a news release. “Incorrect dates and times could prevent eligible voters from successfully casting a ballot.”

The mailer said polling sites open one hour earlier than they do. “While the mistake would not prevent a voter from casting a ballot, accuracy matters, and we apologize for the oversight,” Wichita Forward said Saturday in an emailed statement.

The Wichita Forward statement also said the date listed on the mailer, saying “your ballot must be at the election office” at that date, was actually the last day you could apply to have a mail-in ballot.

“We regret the error and any confusion it may have caused,” the statement says.

“Wichita Forward takes seriously its role in sharing information that supports voter participation. Our goal has always been, and remains, to encourage people to vote early, vote confidently, and ensure their voice is counted,” the statement says. “Wichita Forward remains focused on engaging the community, sharing opportunities to vote, and helping Wichitans participate in decisions that shape the city’s future.”

The 1% sales tax measure would be for seven years and is expected to raise $850 million for public safety projects, money to fight homelessness, property tax relief, a convention center expansion, Century II renovations and a new performing arts center.

Wichita Forward is a coalition of business owners and boosters founded by three prominent local CEOS: Aaron Bastian of Fidelity Bank, Ben Hutton of Hutton and Jon Rolph of Thrive Restaurant Group.

This story was originally published January 31, 2026 at 12:11 PM.