Will Kansas Move to a Two-Class System for Voters?

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As legislators gather this fall to rewrite the Hard 50 sentencing law, Wichita Democrats may try to amend the proof-of-citizenship voter registration law according to a recent article in the Wichita Eagle.

The Hard 50 law faces a redo because a similar Virginia law similar was struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court.  Rep. Jim Ward and Sen. Oletha Faust-Goudeau, both D-Wichita say the voting law is just as unconstitutional as the Hard 50 law, and they will take this opportunity to debate the issue.  They say a similar Arizona voting law was invalidated by the Supreme Court.

Kris Kobach, Secretary of State, wrote the law requiring new voters to provide citizenship documents.  He says the document would stand up to scrutiny, and even if it didn’t Kansas could create two classes of voters.  Those who provided proof could vote in all elections, and those who don’t would be limited to congressional and presidential elections.  Kobach also said the comparison of the Hard 50 law to the voter registration law is misplaced.

The special legislative session begins September 3.