Johnson County voters have a new way to honor a veteran in time for the Nov. 3 general election

Just in time for the upcoming Nov. 3 election, voters can recognize the veterans and service members in their lives through the Johnson County Election Office program "Vote in Honor of a Veteran."

"The 'Vote in Honor of a Veteran' program was established to encourage voter participation in the 2026 elections," Johnson County Election Commissioner Connie Schmidt said. "It also provides voters with a visible tribute to those who so proudly serve and have served in military service. This program recognizes their efforts to keep our democracy strong and to ensure that we may continue to cast a ballot each election day."

To participate in the program, Johnson County voters can visit the Election Office's website at jocoelection.org and provide details of the veteran or service member they are honoring.

Requested information includes name, rank, military branch, time of military service, hometown, short testimonial and a picture of the honoree.

Participants can honor an active military service member, reservist or veteran, living or deceased. Content will be reviewed before postings are made public. Veteran profiles will be accessible throughout 2026 on the website.

As part of the program, the Election Office will mail participants, if requested, a "Vote in Honor of a Veteran" pin they can choose to wear at the polls while voting and/or for other personal uses.

There is no limit to the number of submissions, but each participant will receive only one pin if multiple veteran profiles are provided.

Johnson County is the first county in Kansas to participate in this national program that launched in time for the 2026 election. The program was created through a partnership of Vet the Vote program and the U.S. Vote Foundation. Currently 16 states, along with counties in Florida and South Carolina, run similar programs.

More information about the program is available on the Election Office website or by calling 913-715-6800. View a brief video of the program here.