The Salina City Commission has approved a mail-ballot election for February 24, 2026, giving voters the final say on whether to repeal the city’s breed-specific pit bull ordinance. The action follows certification of an initiative petition submitted under K.S.A. 12-3013, which requires the city to either adopt the proposed ordinance as written or place it before the electorate.
Decision Process
The petition seeks to remove all breed-specific language from Chapter 7 of the municipal code. Commissioners previously agreed they preferred to send the question to voters rather than adopt the ordinance outright. Staff then worked with the Saline County Clerk to determine feasible dates and election formats.
Two options were available:
- A traditional polling-place special election
- A mail-ballot election permitted under state law for this type of question
Why Mail Ballots
Commissioners cited higher public participation as the primary reason to choose a mail-ballot format. Supporting points discussed:
- Polling-place election estimated at $65,000
- Mail-ballot election estimated at about $90,000, likely reduced if bulk-mail rates are used
- Historically higher turnout: last Salina mail-ballot election (2016 bond issue) reached ~40%, compared to 22% in the most recent polling-place city election
- Weather concerns and accessibility in February
Ballots will be mailed to all registered voters, with options to return by mail or at secure drop-off locations. The city will release registration deadlines and ballot-submission requirements once confirmed with the County Clerk.
Final Vote
The Commission approved Ordinance 25-11272, formally calling for a mail-ballot question-submitted election on February 24, 2026.
Voted YES (4):
- Mike Hoppock
- Dr. Trent Davis
- Jerry Ivey
- Greg Lenkiewicz
Voted NO (1):
- Bill Longbine