Last day for De Soto residents to register to vote in election on extending sales tax

De Soto voters will decide in June on whether to extend a sales tax that generates about $600,000 each year.

The last day to register to vote in the election is today by 5 p.m. Residents can register online with their photo identification.

The ¾ of a cent sales tax was originally passed in 2002 and renewed in 2012. If voters choose not to renew it again, it will expire in July.

The sales tax is used to fund infrastructure projects like improving sidewalks, bridges, drainage systems and streets.

The tax has previously funded new sidewalks on Lexington Avenue and 83rd Street, the 91st Street extension to Sunflower Road and a water treatment plant expansion.

If residents vote against the tax, the city said on its website that it will have to find other sources of funding for the projects. The city said they are typically funded by user fees, property taxes or sales taxes.

If a voter registered between May 24 and May 31, they must call the Johnson County Election Office to get a ballot. Ballots will be automatically mailed to every voter who registered on May 23 or earlier.

Ballots will be mailed out on or around June 1, and are due back to the Johnson County Election Office by noon, June 21.