The number of incomplete registrations in the state has reached about 36,000, and most are lacking proof-of-citizenship documents such as a birth certificate or passport. However, last month Kobach issued a rule implementing a voter removal program that requires applicants to provide proof of citizenship within 90 days or be removed from voter rolls.
Advertisement
A summons was issued to Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach on Thursday, according to records from the U.S. District Court of the Eastern District of Kansas.
On Friday, the Kansas Secretary of State’s office is set to initiate a new policy that will toss out any Kansas voter registration that hasn’t been completed within 90 days.
A few would say that anyone who doesn’t care enough to prove his or her citizenship doesn’t deserve to vote, but that seems a bit harsh, especially for young people who should be encouraged to participate in the democratic process, not deterred by additional obstacles that most older Kansas voters didn’t face. The culling of applications is the first since the law went into effect. Eligible voters who submit applications without required documentation are marked as “in suspense” in the voter registration database. Also, he said, federal voter laws do not allow the state to purge voter registration rolls.
Davis, who as a legislator voted for the final version of the measure, said the lawsuit was filed because it is “imperative” that Kansas residents’ fundamental right to vote be protected. The lawsuit says Cromwell first sought to register in March and Keener, in December 2014.
But Kobach said prospective voters whose registrations are removed can simply apply again and, “it takes less than a minute”.
“The process of discarding incomplete voter registrations after 90 days does not violate the National Voter Registration Act”, the statement continued.
Kobach’s office also said the cases include carry both criminal and civil charges.
They’re seeking a court order to block the purge and the proof-of-citizenship requirement.
Advertisement
The lawsuit was filed on behalf of Alder Cromwell and Cody Keener.
