The Kansas House has moved forward a bill that would require voters to show a photo ID at the polls. It would also require people registering to vote for the first time in Kansas to prove their citizenship. Supporters of the legislation say it’s needed to help prevent voter fraud. State Representative John Rubin, a Shawnee Republican, brought the bill to the House floor. He believes the goals of the bill are simple.
Opponents of the bill say that voter fraud is not a problem in Kansas. Topeka Democrat, Representative Ann Mah (“maw”), opposed the bill. She believes the requirement to show a birth certificate or other document to prove citizenship will make it too difficult to register.
Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach has been pushing the legislation. The first-round vote on the bill was 78-36. It will likely pass the chamber when a final vote is taken, which could be later today (FRI). The legislation will then go before the Senate.