Kansas once attempted to prevent illegal voting by requiring citizens to prove their citizenship while registering to vote, a policy that ultimately backfired.
In the early 2010s, Kansas implemented a law mandating proof of citizenship for voter registration. This initiative, driven by concerns over illegal voting, led to the disenfranchisement of over 31,000 eligible voters, approximately 12% of new registrants. The law was eventually struck down by federal courts as unconstitutional, highlighting the risks of addressing rare election issues with stringent measures.
Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab, who initially supported the law, now advises against such policies, acknowledging their failure. “Kansas did that 10 years ago,” Schwab admitted. “It didn’t work out so well.” This sentiment stems from the law’s inability to secure elections without unintended negative consequences.
The Kansas experience serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in balancing election integrity with voter accessibility. The state’s approach prevented many legitimate votes while failing to address the minimal instances of illegal voting that existed, further leading to widespread criticism and legal challenges.
Despite Kansas’ outcomes, other states, including Arizona and Ohio, pursued similar proof-of-citizenship requirements. These efforts have also faced legal scrutiny and continue to incite debates on voter suppression and electoral security.
Kris Kobach, Kansas’ Attorney General, still supports the notion of requiring citizenship proof despite past challenges. He argues that technological advancements could ease the verification process, though many remain skeptical about the feasibility and fairness of such measures.
Voting rights advocates argue that these laws disproportionately impact young and unaffiliated voters, as evidenced by Kansas’ statistics from 2013. Critics suggest that alternative solutions to voting fraud should be considered, emphasizing education and preventive measures rather than restrictive legislation.
Kansas’ failed attempt to require proof of citizenship for voter registration underlines the importance of carefully crafting election laws to respect voter rights while ensuring security. The state’s experience should inform future discussions on electoral laws, reminding policymakers of the delicate balance needed between security and accessibility.
Source: News4jax
