Secretary of State Kris Kobach speaking in Topeka. (Photo by Stephen Koranda)Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach is urging lawmakers to finish the redistricting process, or there could be what he calls a “constitutional crisis.” Kobach says deadlines in federal law and the Kansas Constitution mean lawmakers need to finish redistricting by mid May.
Primary elections in Kansas are currently scheduled for early August, but lawmakers are considering a three week delay. That would give them more time to redraw the lines for congressional and state legislative districts. Kobach doesn't agree. He says that would hurt the democratic process, by giving candidates less time to campaign. Legislators will return to Topeka on Wednesday to start the wrap up session.