By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

A new Kansas law affecting political party affiliation “concerns” Ellis County Clerk Donna Maskus.

Anyone wishing to change their affiliation must do so before Tuesday.

“We’ve had situations where people were used to changing their party affiliation right up until the registration books close 21 days before an election. That would have been July 15 for this year’s Aug. 5 primary election, but now the state doesn’t allow it,” Maskus said.

Under the law adopted this spring through House Bill 2210, party switching isn’t allowed from June 1 – or the first business day after that date, in this case – until after primary results are certified. State law requires certification to take place by Sept. 1.

Voters got an extra month this year because new state laws don’t take effect until July 1.

Ellis County has 16 outposts for voter registration, in addition to the courthouse, which will be open Friday and Monday.

Maskus said any voter wanting to change parties this weekend could do so at the Hays Public Library outpost.

Click the image below to review the new party affiliation rules.