There’s new information coming out for Kansans who want to register to vote for the first time. At issue is citizenship, and whether you’ll need to prove you’re legally a citizen before you can register. The issue has created a debate that’s put Kansas at odds with the federal government and left Kansas residents with questions. It’s also put different rules in place for which elections – federal or state – Kansans can vote in. Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach says he’s enforcing the citizenship rule. He’s sent a new set of instructions to county election officers, telling them everyone wanting to register to vote must prove their citizenship.
Tabitha Lehman is the Sedgwick County election commissioner. “The Secretary of State’s Office sent direction down to the counties in how to handle the federal forms moving forward, and that’s what we will follow,” said Lehman.
The debate that’s been going on for years between Kansas and federal officials started after Kansas required first-time voters to prove their citizenship back in 2013. That requirement has left voters with two possibilities at the polls.
Those who’ve proven their citizenship can vote in all local, state and federal elections. But those who have not can only vote in federal elections since the U.S. government does not require proof of citizenship for voters.
Full Article: Kobach enforcing debated voter registration rule | KSN-TV.