Kan. House Panel To Vet Proof-Of-Citizenship Plan

wibw.com
Reporter: Posted By Chris Fisher
Posted: 4:43 AM Feb 1, 2012

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TOPEKA, Kan. (AP)

A Kansas House committee is reviewing a proposal by Secretary of State Kris Kobach to speed up a requirement for some people registering to vote to show proof of citizenship.

Kobach was expected to testify during the Elections Committee's meeting Wednesday morning.

A law enacted last year says people registering to vote for the first time in Kansas must provide proof of their citizenship starting in January 2013. Kobach wants the rule in effect by June 15, ahead of this year's presidential election.

Kobach says the rule will combat election fraud. He also says voter registration traditionally surges in the months before a presidential election.

Critics worry the rule will suppress voter registration. They also question whether Kansans can be adequately educated about the requirement by June.

Kan. House Panel To Vet Proof-Of-Citizenship Plan