No Charges After Inaccurate Sales Tax Mailer Investigation

Wichita Forward apologized for sending out incorrect information about upcoming election dates.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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The Sedgwick County District Attorney's office announced that it will not file charges in connection to an inaccurate mailer regarding an upcoming sales tax vote in Wichita, Kansas. The mailer, sent by the pro-tax group Wichita Forward, included incorrect information about election dates and times. The DA's office investigated potential election law violations but found the inaccuracies were due to human error, not criminal intent.

Why it matters

Mailers with incorrect voting information can potentially confuse or discourage voters, impacting election turnout and outcomes. However, in this case, the DA determined the errors were unintentional and did not rise to the level of criminal activity.

The details

Wichita Forward, the group advocating for a 1% sales tax increase, sent out a mailer with incorrect information about the upcoming special election. The Sedgwick County Election Office turned the mailer over to the District Attorney's office to investigate potential election law violations, such as voter suppression or intimidation. After reviewing the case, the DA concluded the inaccuracies were due to human error, not criminal intent, and decided not to file charges against Wichita Forward.

  • The mailer was sent out in February 2026.
  • The District Attorney's office announced its decision on February 18, 2026.

The players

Wichita Forward

A group advocating for a 1% sales tax increase in Wichita, Kansas.

Sedgwick County District Attorney's Office

The local prosecutor's office that investigated the inaccurate mailer for potential election law violations.

Sedgwick County Election Office

The local election authority that turned over the mailer to the District Attorney's office for investigation.

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The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of accuracy in election-related communications, as even unintentional errors can sow confusion and distrust. While the District Attorney found no criminal wrongdoing, it serves as a reminder for advocacy groups to carefully vet any information they distribute to voters.