TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) Secretary of State Kris Kobach says he’ll push for a change in Kansas law to require some potential voters to provide proof of citizenship beginning June 15 instead of next year as scheduled.
Kobach told The Associated Press on Tuesday evening his proposal will be presented to Kansas lawmakers Wednesday. The House Elections Committee was scheduled to meet Wednesday morning to consider sponsoring Kobach’s measure.
Kansas already has a proof-of-citizenship requirement for people registering to vote in the state for the first time, but it doesn’t take effect until 2013.
Kobach has said he wants the rule to take effect earlier so it’s in place for elections this year. But he hasn’t previously disclosed his preferred date.
Critics say such a rule will suppress voter turnout, something Kobach disputes.
