The clock is ticking for Topeka residents who want a say in choosing the city’s next mayor. The general election to elect Topeka’s mayor is Tuesday, November 4, 2025, with a municipal primary having already been held on August 5, 2025. If you’re not yet registered to vote — or you’ve moved, changed your name, or need to update your information — now is the time to act.
Why your vote matters
Local elections shape services and decisions you see every day: public safety, zoning and housing, business and economic development, neighborhood improvements and more. Fewer voters turn out for municipal races, which means each vote carries more influence on the future of our city. (Local context: Topeka’s mayoral seat and several city council districts are on the Nov. 4 ballot.)
Key dates you need (Topeka / Shawnee County)
- General Election (Topeka mayor + city council): Tuesday, November 4, 2025.
- (Already held) Primary: Tuesday, August 5, 2025 (top two advance to the general).
- Voter registration deadline (last day to register or update): Tuesday, October 14, 2025 (Kansas law requires registrations be completed 21 days before the election).
- Advance-by-mail ballots available: Begin October 15, 2025; requests for mail ballots must be received by Tuesday, October 28, 2025.
- In-person early voting (at the Shawnee County Election Office and designated sites): Begins October 20, 2025; extended hours are offered as Election Day approaches. Ballots must be returned by 7:00 p.m. on Election Day when voting in person or to the election office/drop box by the close of polls.
How to register or update your registration (fast, official options)
- Register or update online: Use the Kansas online voter registration system (online registration requires a Kansas driver’s license or nondriver ID).
- Register by mail or in person: Print and mail a Kansas voter registration form or bring it to the Shawnee County Election Office, libraries, DMV locations, or other registration sites listed by the county. Applications must be postmarked by the registration deadline to count.
Where to get local help / official info
- Shawnee County Election Office — voter resources, sample ballots, advance ballot applications, and local early vote locations; call (785) 251-5900 or visit the county election site for forms and hours. The County Election Office is at 3420 SW Van Buren, Topeka (check the site for current office hours and extended early-vote hours).
Quick checklist — what to do right now
- Check your registration (name, address) via the Kansas registration system.
- Register or update by October 14, 2025 to be eligible for the Nov. 4 ballot.
- If you prefer mail, request an advance ballot (mail requests must be received by Oct. 28, 2025).
- Mark Nov. 4, 2025 on your calendar — or plan to vote early starting Oct. 20, 2025.
