In an era of intense focus on election integrity, knowing who runs the show is crucial. For Kansas voters, the answer lies not with the governor, but in the office of the Secretary of State, a role with far-reaching responsibilities.
The Answer: The Secretary of State
The chief election official in Kansas is the Secretary of State. This position is a statewide constitutional office, meaning it's established by the Kansas Constitution itself and the person holding it is elected by voters every four years. As of September 2026, the office is held by Republican Scott Schwab, who first took office in January 2019. Unlike some other state offices, there are no term limits for the Kansas Secretary of State. The role is part of a divided executive branch in Kansas, where the governor
may be from one party while other key officials, like the Secretary of State, are from another.
More Than Just Elections
While administering elections is the most high-profile duty, the Secretary of State's responsibilities are much broader. The office functions as the state's central hub for business filings, managing registrations for corporations and other business entities. It also handles the registration of trademarks and liens under the Uniform Commercial Code. Furthermore, the office is responsible for publishing official state documents, including session laws and administrative regulations. This combination of duties makes the Secretary of State a key administrator for both the democratic process and the state's economic framework.
Meet the Current Officeholder
Scott Schwab, a Republican, is the 32nd Kansas Secretary of State. Before winning this statewide office, he served for many years in the Kansas House of Representatives. A graduate of Fort Hays State University, Schwab grew up in Great Bend, Kansas. He was first elected Secretary of State in November 2018 and was reelected in 2022. His tenure has focused on the administrative aspects of the office, overseeing multiple election cycles and the implementation of state election laws. At the county level, the Secretary of State appoints the election commissioners in the state's four most populous counties: Johnson, Sedgwick, Shawnee, and Wyandotte.
Why the Role Matters Now
In today's political climate, secretaries of state have been thrust into the national spotlight. They are the frontline arbiters of election law, responsible for everything from voter registration and maintaining voter rolls to certifying election results and ensuring the security of the ballot. They sit on critical boards, including the State Board of Canvassers and the State Election Board, which have the final say on election outcomes. Decisions made by the Secretary of State can impact voter access, the types of voting machines used, and the procedures for counting absentee ballots. As debates over voting rights and election security continue, the person in this role holds significant power to shape the democratic experience for every voter in Kansas.
