Nearly 4,000 Wichita voters learn a week before primary that they will vote somewhere new

Approximately 3,800 southeast Wichita voters will vote in a different place than usual for the Aug. 1 primary next week.

The Sedgwick County Election Office has sent out mailers notifying affected voters of the change.

Wichitans who usually cast their ballots at Cedar Point Church will now vote at Southeast High School, 2641 S. 127th Street.

A county spokesperson said communication issues with the church caused Election Commissioner Laura Rainwater to make the change a week before the primary, when residents will vote to narrow the mayoral race and at-large Wichita school board race to two candidates each.

“The election office staff had a hard time connecting with the church to iron out the planning details, so as the primary election date got closer, the Election Commissioner decided to go with her backup plan at Southeast High School,” Stephanie Birmingham told The Eagle in an email.

“We are thankful to Wichita USD 259 and Southeast High School for accommodating these voters and for the changes to make their election experience a positive one.”

The following precincts are affected by the change: 208, 209, 230, 233, GY02, MI09, MI12, MI22.

All voters are encouraged to check their assigned polling station through the Kansas secretary of state’s online VoterView tool or by calling the Sedgwick County Election Office at 316-660-7100.

Early voting is already underway at the election office, where any registered voter can cast a ballot between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Additional satellite polling stations will open Thursday.

Contributing: Chance Swaim of The Eagle

This story was originally published July 25, 2023 at 1:04 PM.