Early in-person voting for the Wichita Special Election — which will decide whether the city implements a 1% sales tax — begins today.
The official special election date is March 3. If approved, a 1% sales tax will be imposed on retail sales within city limits, including groceries, starting July 1.
From Feb. 17-27, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., early in-person voting will be available at the Sedgwick County elections office. There will be satellite in-person voting between Feb. 26-28 with nine locations open.
Kansas currently has a 6.5% sales tax rate, which excludes grocery sales, and Sedgwick County charges an additional 1%. The vote would add another 1% tax at the city level.
City officials say tax revenue will be used to lower property taxes and fund improvements in five different areas in Wichita for up to seven years. The areas for improvement are public safety, homeless and housing services, Century II and convention center improvements and downtown public performing arts center construction.
If voters approve the measure, the city-wide sales tax rate would rise to 8.5%.
Kansas voters must bring a valid photo ID to the polls. To see a sample ballot, go to the Kansas Secretary of State website.
