Even though a judge has ruled Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach must allow thousands of potential voters to register without providing citizenship documents, Riley County election officials would prefer voters to still use the state form, which requires such documentation.
At first the state of Kansas was limiting voters who registered without citizenship documents to just federal offices, but the most recent court ruling says those voters will also be allowed to vote for state and local offices on election day.
“We still highly encourage people to use the Kansas voter registration form and send in the appropriate proof of citizenship, because this isn’t over,” county clerk Rich Vargo told county commissioners Monday morning. “If you want to be sure in the future that you’ve completed the process, do it all.
“Unfortunately, we know there are people out there doing voter registration drives that are saying, ‘Just have them fill out the federal form, it’s so much easier.’ It may be easier, but we’re thinking of that registered voter’s satisfaction not just now, but on down the line.”
While Vargo said there’s little time for Kobach to again appeal the latest court ruling on voter registration, he said the constant changes and possibility of more appeals by the state are reasons he advises potential voters to use the state form.
“We stay out of whatever the political opinions between the parties that are fighting on should or shouldn’t you have to show proof of citizenship,” Vargo said. “(The state form is) the safest method right now and we encourage people to do that.”
The last day to register to vote for the general election is Oct. 18. More information on voting in Riley County can be found on the county’s election website.
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