Almena, Kansas Public Records

Kansas residents can register to vote online through the Kansas Secretary of State's website at www.kdor.ks.gov/apps/voterreg, by mail using a voter registration form, or in person at the Norton County Clerk's office. The registration deadline is 21 days before any election. Kansas requires voters to present photo identification at the polls; acceptable forms include Kansas driver's license, state-issued ID card, passport, military ID, or student ID from a Kansas postsecondary institution. First-time voters who registered by mail may need to provide additional identification. The City of Almena holds municipal elections for mayor and city council positions on the first Tuesday in April of odd-numbered years, consistent with Kansas law for cities of its class. The next municipal election will be held in April 2025, with mayor and council positions potentially on the ballot depending on term expirations. Candidate filings for city offices are submitted to the Norton County Election Officer (County Clerk). Information about local candidates, ballot questions, and city positions can be obtained from Almena City Hall at (785) 669-2424 or the Norton County Clerk's office. Residents can find their assigned polling location through the Kansas Secretary of State's voter portal at www.kssos.org/elections/elections_registration_voterid.aspx by entering their name and date of birth or county and address. The community typically has one polling place serving city residents, usually at a public facility such as the community building or school. Kansas makes several categories of election records publicly accessible under K.S. 25-2011 and related statutes. Voter registration lists are public but restricted for commercial purposes; they can be purchased from the Norton County Clerk for legitimate political purposes. Campaign finance reports for candidates and political committees are filed with the Kansas Governmental Ethics Commission and searchable at www.ethics.kansas.gov. Candidate filing information, precinct-level election results, and turnout statistics are maintained by the Norton County Clerk and published after each election. In the November 2024 presidential election, Norton County reported approximately 61% voter turnout with about 2,100 ballots cast from approximately 3,450 registered voters, continuing Norton County's pattern of strong rural participation in presidential elections. The November 3, 2026 general election will be significant for Almena and Norton County voters. While Kansas does not have U.S. Senate seats up in 2026 (next Senate races are 2028), voters will decide the Kansas Governor's race as Laura Kelly's term expires, all four Kansas U.S. House seats including District 1 which covers Norton County (currently represented by Tracey Mann), all 125 Kansas House seats including the local district, approximately half of the 40 Kansas Senate seats depending on district cycle, and Norton County offices including potentially county commissioners, sheriff, county clerk, register of deeds, treasurer, and attorney. Any Almena city positions with terms expiring in 2026 would appear on the April 2026 municipal ballot rather than the November general election. Kansas offers advance voting by mail for any registered voter who requests it; no excuse is required. Advance ballot applications can be submitted to the Norton County Clerk beginning immediately after the primary election and must be received by the Tuesday before the election. Voted ballots must be received by the Norton County Clerk by 7:00 p.m. On Election Day to be counted. Military and overseas voters have special provisions under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA) with extended deadlines and electronic ballot transmission options available through the Federal Voting Assistance Program.