Governor Sam Brownback speaking earlier this year. (Photo by Stephen Koranda)The Kansas secretary of state’s office predicts only around one in five Kansas voters will cast a ballot in this week’s primary election. Governor Sam Brownback says it might be time for Kansas to look at moving the primary to an earlier date. He says holding the election in August may impact turnout.
“It’s late summer, a lot of people go on vacation this time of year. It’s kind of the last respite before they get into the school year. I mean, that’s part of it, but I hope people do get out and vote and I encourage them to get out and vote,” says Brownback.
Brownback says the August date of the Kansas primary makes it later than many states. Missouri also holds its primary in August, but the other states surrounding Kansas hold their primary elections in May or June.
Brownback is facing a challenge in the Republican primary from Wichita businesswoman Jennifer Winn.