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Mail-in ballot applications sent out in Sedgwick County

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By Anne Meyer

KWCH 12 Eyewitness News

4:55 PM CDT, October 2, 2012

(WICHITA, Kan.)

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Thousands in Sedgwick County have already requested a mail-in ballot for the up coming general election and thousands more are expected to do the same before November 6.

This past week, the elections office sent out mail-in ballot applications to every active voter in Sedgwick County. It's the third time the election commissioner has done a mass mailing like this.

"We're trying to make it more convenient for people to vote," said Sedgwick County Election Commissioner Tabitha Lehman. "Also just to make it to where we don't have as heavy of a load at the polling places on election day."

Mail-in ballots will be sent out October 17.  Advanced in person voting starts October 24 at the elections office.

"In the 2008 presidential election 57% of the voter turnout was by advanced, either in person or by mail," Lehman said.

That means more than 110,000 people in Sedgwick County voted early in 2008 and Lehman is hoping for the same number this year.

If you want an advanced ballot mailed to you, the process is simple. Just fill out your name and address in the space provided. For the first time, you will need to provide a valid I.D. or driver's license number.

If you don't have those, you will need to send in a copy of another form of picture I.D. Those can include a passport, a military I.D. or a concealed carry license.

Keep in mind you have to mail back the application, get a ballot sent to you and then send that back before November 2. That's the Friday before the election.

The elections office can answer any questions you have about the process.

Derrick Slaton came in Tuesday to register to vote, but he didn't want an advanced ballot.

"I've had mail-in ballots since I was 18, so now this will be my first time actually going to the polls and vote," Slaton said.

He'll get that chance November 6. In-person advanced voting will also be available at 15 different locations throughout the county beginning October 30.

Mail-in ballot applications sent out in Sedgwick County