Brownback signs bill requiring photo ID at Kansas polls
By JOHN HANNA
The Associated Press


TOPEKA | Gov. Sam Brownback has signed a bill requiring Kansas voters to show photo identification at the polls.

Brownback was joined Monday at a signing ceremony at the statehouse by Secretary of State Kris Kobach, a fellow Republican who pushed the legislation.

Many Republicans say the new law will combat election fraud. Critics say it will suppress voter turnout and decrease the number of people registered to vote.

The photo ID requirement takes effect Jan. 1.

Election officials also will have to verify the signatures of prospective voters before sending them a ballot by mail.

And starting in 2013, anyone registering to vote for the first time in Kansas will have to provide proof of U.S. citizenship, though a Kansas driver's license could suffice for many.

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