Topeka ? Along with recent efforts that have made it easier for Kansans to vote, boosting the number who cast a ballot will require a “cultural change,” Secretary of State Ron Thornburgh said Thursday.

“They don’t believe their vote makes a difference. One vote out of a million cast is a mere pebble in the stream,” Thornburgh said. “Second, all politicians are alike. We’re all liars, cheats, thieves and crooks, so why would you want to invest in that?”

Thornburgh’s comment came as his office launched a Vote! Kansas Web site, www.voteks.org, which is designed to answer questions about registering, advanced balloting and new requirements for first-time voters.

Along with the Web site, Thornburgh touted recent reforms that include improving accessibility for voters with disabilities; issuing ballots in Braille, large print and Spanish; and easing registration procedures. In 2006, technology will improve with the use of electronic voting machines in all counties.

While he cited recent changes to remove obstacles in casting ballots, Thornburgh didn’t offer concrete solutions for changing voters’ perceptions about their elected officials or the value of a single vote.

“That’s really one of the most difficult challenges we face,” he said.

Thornburgh said close races and local ballot issues can boost participation. That was true in the Aug. 3 primary, where state turnout was about 477,000, or 30 percent of registered voters, higher than predicted. In 2000, voter turnout was 67.3 percent, or 1.09 million of the 1.62 million people registered.

Registration for the Nov. 2 election concludes Oct. 18.