Kobach (R-KS, Secretary of State), is concerned about outside parties helping voters register to vote. Because they use the national voter registration form which states must accept, Kobach is working on a unique loophole: file that form, and you can only vote for Senate/House races, you must file a separate form if you want to vote for Governor, State Assembly, your city offices, etc.



Rep. Jim Ward, D-Wichita, an opponent of the proof-of-citizenship law, said he received confirmation from the Department of Legislative Research this week that Kobach is moving forward with the plan to limit voters who follow federal registration rules to voting only in federal elections.



Separately, a memo to all the state’s county election officials outlines procedures for identifying and tracking voters who use the federal form and creating a separate category for them in voting databases.

“This means you should take note when a federal form comes to your office and keep a list of the names of individuals who submit them … Whichever form a person uses, if an applicant does not submit a U.S. citizenship document, you must follow up and request one.” Voters who fill out the state form and don’t submit the citizenship proof have their voting privileges suspended until they do. At present about 17,500 voters are “in suspense.” Kobach, Bryant’s boss, confirmed he’s planning for elections with different ballots for different voters, depending on whether they register under federal or state rules. He said it’s “merely a contingency plan” in case he loses a lawsuit seeking to make federal officials adopt Kansas rules for voters in Kansas.

Kobach’s legal analysis of the decision is that it applies to federal elections only. “The federal government doesn’t have the authority to tell Kansas what to do in Kansas elections,” he said. That, too, will probably have to be decided by a court.

But maybe that isn't enough. Maybe voter confusion and multiple sets of ballots might also help defeat your opponents.Kobach kicks off with a great response of why this is all a good idea:See here! You can't tell us what to do! We set our own rules, we can shut out voters however we please!

The ACLU has countered if Kobach continues on this path they will begin a lawsuit in November.

For Kansans, this is just one more reason to try and make real change in this state...

Update: Thank You For making this hit the top of the Rec list. I wish this was a happier issue, but I'm glad that it gains attention. Kris Kobach has written a lot of legislation, from Arizona's immigration bill and now Kansas and soon Arizona's voting acts, which will be mirrors of each other. There has to be a real effort to change some outcomes in Kansas.. if not, Kansas will be the shining light for those who wish to oppress and deny the vote. I'd prefer my state not be the beacon that showed the way to taint elections and curtail the rights of so many.