Cindy Holscher on Government Reform

Keep the three day grace period for mail-in ballots

Summary by The Beacon News, March 31, 2025Mail ballots in Kansas used to be eligible even if they arrived after election day. Ballots postmarked on or before election day that arrived three days later could still be counted. Now, ballots must arrive before polls close. Kansas now has one of the shortest turnarounds from when ballots are mailed to people and when they need to be returned.

Veto message, March 24, 2025The three-day grace period for mail ballots was a bipartisan solution approved by the Legislature in 2017 to address delays in processing of mail by the U.S. Postal Service, particularly in rural areas. The goal was to ensure that all Kansans had their votes counted, no matter where they lived.

Legislative Outcome:Vetoed by Gov. Kelly on Mar/24; Senate Veto overridden 30-10-0 on Mar/25; Sen. Holscher voted NO; House Veto overridden 84-41-0 on Mar/25/25.

Retain the 3-day grace period for mail-in ballots

ACLU Legislative Update:SB 209 would have eliminated the 3-day grace period for mail-in ballots. The bill was defeated after the legislature failed to override Gov. Kelly's veto. The current 3-day grace period is crucial to allow voters, the United States Postal Service, and election clerks much needed flexibility to ensure all votes are appropriately counted.

Veto Message (KSNT, 4/19/23 : "As the daughter of a career Army officer, I cannot support measures that would disenfranchise members of our armed services--who fight for our freedoms, including the right to vote--from casting their own ballot.  This bill eliminates the 3-day grace period for mail-in ballots often used by those in the military serving overseas."

Legislative Outcome:Passed House 76-48-1 on 3/29; passed Senate 23-14-3 on 4/6; Sen. Holscher voted NO; vetoed by Gov. Kelly on 4/19.

Opposed stripping health, environmental officials of powers