The number of voter registrations on hold in Kansas because of the state’s proof-of-citizenship requirement is rising again. Secretary of State Kris Kobach’s office said Wednesday that almost 17,700 registrations were on hold because new voters hadn’t provided a birth certificate, passport or other papers documenting their U.S. citizenship to election officials. The figure peaked at about 18,500 in October but dropped to fewer than 17,200.
That decline occurred in late October. The state Department of Revenue sent election officials information about 6,000 people who had presented one of several required documents when obtaining or renewing a driver’s license.
The proof-of-citizenship requirement took effect in January, and Kobach argues that it prevents election fraud. Critics say it suppresses voter turnout.
Source: Kansas on-hold voter registrations rising | CJOnline.com.