Salina voters will be asked to decide whether to repeal the city’s breed-specific dog regulations during a special election scheduled for February 24, 2026, according to the official ballot issued by Saline County.
The ballot question concerns whether sections of the Salina Municipal Code regulating pit bull dogs should be removed and replaced with a uniform approach to dog regulation regardless of breed.
What the ballot asks
The question before voters proposes repealing Salina Code Chapter 7, Article IX, Division 1, which includes Sections 7-141 through 7-149, commonly referred to as the city’s breed-specific regulations.
If approved, the ordinance would:
- Repeal all existing sections specifically regulating pit bull dogs
- Establish a policy that all dogs in Salina are regulated in the same manner, regardless of breed
Voters will be asked to vote Yes or No on whether the ordinance should be adopted.
How the measure reached the ballot
The ballot language indicates the measure originated through a petition process, requesting either adoption by the governing body or placement on the ballot pursuant to Kansas Statute K.S.A. 12-3013(a). Under that statute, a qualifying petition requires the question to be submitted to voters if not adopted directly by the governing body.
What a “Yes” vote would mean
A Yes vote would repeal the existing breed-specific sections of the city code and place all dogs under the same regulatory framework, eliminating breed-based distinctions.
The ordinance would take effect either:
- After adoption by the governing body and publication in the official city newspaper, or
- If approved by a majority of voters in the special election
What a “No” vote would mean
A No vote would leave the current breed-specific regulations in place, maintaining the existing provisions related to pit bull dogs under city code.
Election details
- Election date: February 24, 2026
- Ballot type: Special election
- Voting options: Yes or No
Voters who make a mistake on their ballot are instructed to contact the Saline County Election Office at (785) 309-5820, according to the ballot notice.
City officials have not included additional explanatory language on the ballot beyond the ordinance text itself. Further information about implementation or enforcement changes would depend on the outcome of the election.
