Sterling, Kansas Public Records

Voters must present photo identification at polling places; acceptable forms include a Kansas driver's license, Kansas non-driver ID card, U.S. Passport, government employee ID, student ID from a Kansas postsecondary institution, or concealed carry license. Municipal elections in Sterling occur during odd-numbered years, typically in April, when voters select the Mayor and City Council representatives. The mayor serves a four-year term, while council members serve staggered four-year terms. The next city elections are scheduled for April 2025 and April 2027. Rice County elections for county commissioners, sheriff, clerk, treasurer, register of deeds, attorney, and other offices take place in even-numbered years during August primaries and November general elections. Voters can locate their assigned polling place through the Kansas Voter View system at www.sos.ks.gov/elections/voter-information.html by entering their name and date of birth or address. Sterling voters typically cast ballots at Sterling City Hall or Sterling College facilities, though specific precinct assignments may vary. Publicly accessible election records include voter registration lists (available to candidates and political organizations with restrictions), campaign finance reports filed with the Kansas Governmental Ethics Commission, candidate filings and petitions, and precinct-level results. Individual voter history showing which elections a person participated in - though not how they voted - is also public record. During the November 2024 presidential election, Rice County recorded approximately 63-65% voter turnout, with roughly 3,200-3,400 ballots cast from approximately 5,000 registered voters; the county historically leans Republican by significant margins. The November 3, 2026 general election will feature several key races for Sterling and Rice County voters: Kansas Governor (four-year term), all four Kansas U.S. House seats including the 1st Congressional District covering Rice County, Kansas state legislature seats for the district including State Senate District 33 and State House District 113, and Rice County offices including County Commissioner positions, County Clerk, County Treasurer, Register of Deeds, and Sheriff (four-year terms). Kansas does not have a U.S. Senate seat on the ballot in 2026; both senators were elected in 2020 and 2022. Kansas voters may also decide constitutional amendments or statewide ballot questions in 2026 if the legislature places them on the ballot. To request an advance mail ballot, voters must submit an application to the Rice County Clerk; applications can be submitted by mail, email, fax, or online portal. Mail ballot applications are accepted beginning 90 days before an election, and completed ballots must reach the Rice County election office by 7:00 PM on election day - postmark alone doesn't count. Kansas allows permanent advance voting status for voters aged 65 and older or those with disabilities.