Topeka ? Kansas’ top election official Thursday urged Kansans to vote.

“This election isn’t about the campaign rhetoric, sound bytes and attack ads, it is about every American’s right to have their voice heard,” Secretary of State Ron Thornburgh said.

Thornburgh said recent legislation will require first-time voters to show identification either when they register or when they vote.

A first-time voter is someone who has not previously voted in the county where they are registered.

More information on voting is available at www.voteks.org.

Important election dates are Oct. 13, when advance voting starts; Oct. 18, the deadline to register to vote; Oct. 29, the deadline to apply for advance ballot to be mailed; Nov. 1, deadline to vote in advance by person; and Nov. 2, which is Election Day.