You can vote on the Wichita Public Schools bond Tuesday. How to find your polling place
Voting in Wichita Public Schools’ bond election opened Tuesday morning, and residents have a chance to weigh in on future facilities improvements.
On the ballot is a $450 million bond proposal that would close four elementary schools and two administration centers, rebuild seven elementary and middle schools and convert two elementary schools into Kindergarten through eighth-grade facilities.
It would also consolidate alternative programs and build a new Future Ready Center for Trades at East High School, a new early childhood education center and new outdoor athletic fields at Northeast Magnet High School.
While the issue would use a 7.5 mill levy a year to pay off the bonds, that amount is already paid by homeowners to go toward bonds passed in 2008. If approved, that mill levy will shift to paying off 2025’s bond issue. If residents vote “no,” the mill levy would drop after 2008’s bonds expire.
Here’s what to know about casting your vote.
Who can vote in the Tuesday, Feb. 25 election?
Anyone living in the Wichita school district can cast their vote in the bond election. The Wichita school district extends outside of Wichita, too, to parts of Kechi, Bel Aire and Park City.
When can I vote on Election Day?
Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 25. If you’re in line by 7 you can cast your vote.
How do I find my polling place?
If you’re planning on voting Tuesday, you have to go to your assigned polling location. Because it’s a special election, your polling place could be different from previous elections, so be sure to double-check you assigned location.
To find where to go, visit the Kansas Secretary of State’s VoterView website. From there, enter your full name and date of birth. Once that’s entered, you can see your voter registration, a sample ballot and your assigned polling place.
What’s Tuesday’s forecast?
It’s looking like a good day to get out of the house Tuesday.
The day is expected to be sunny with a high around 70 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of 42, the National Weather Service forecast reads.
Can I still vote early?
No, the last day to vote early was Feb. 24.
Can I still vote by mail?
Feb. 18 was the deadline to request a mail-in ballot. So if you haven’t done so yet, you’ll have to cast your vote in person.
If you’ve already received your mail-in ballot you can return it three ways — at a county drop box, a polling place by 7 p.m. Election Day or by mail. If you choose the mail option, it has to be sent to the Sedgwick County Election Office and postmarked by Feb. 25. It has to be received by Friday, Feb. 28 to be counted.
What ID do I need to vote?
Voters need to bring an official ID to their polling place in order to cast a ballot.
There are several kinds of acceptable IDs. They are:
- Driver’s license or ID card issued by Kansas or another state
- Military ID
- U.S. passport
- ID card issued by a Native American tribe
- Employee badge or ID issued by a government office
- Student ID card from an accredited postsecondary education institution in Kansas
- Concealed carry license issued by Kansas or another state
- Public assistance ID card issued by a government office
How can I contact the election office?
You can contact the Sedgwick County election office at 316-660-7100 or voterinformation@sedgwick.gov, or in person at 510 N. Main in Suite 101.
How can I report a voting problem?
Contact the election office at the number above. Also, let us know by emailing tips@wichitaeagle.com.
How can I learn more about the school bond proposal?
Check out The Eagle’s reporting on the issue:
Your questions answered: What to know about $450M school bond issue in front of voters
How would Wichita’s $450M school bond issue affect property taxes on your home?
‘All the things that obstruct learning’: Inside schools Wichita bond issue would rebuild
A closer look at the four elementary schools Wichita plans to close in $450M bond issue
Is enrollment declining in Wichita schools? What’s happening in city and suburban districts
Wichita school bond basics: What to know about $450M issue voters will decide
Here’s how much 2008 bond money went to Wichita school buildings to be closed or rebuilt
Leading up to Wichita bond vote, here’s what a researcher says about student environments
Where can I see election results?
The Wichita Eagle will be closely monitoring results and posting them on Kansas.com Tuesday evening.
This story was originally published February 22, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
