Kansas Voters to Decide on Citizen Only Voting Amendment

Kansas voters will decide on a constitutional amendment in November to modify the state's voter eligibility language. The Citizen Only Voting Amendment (COVA), proposed by Pat Proctor, seeks to replace the word every with only regarding the right of U.S. citizens to vote in local, state, and federal elections.

Proctor, a Republican State Representative, argues the change is necessary to restore confidence in elections and prevent courts from overturning laws that combat non-citizen voting. He cited a specific instance where the mayor of Coldwater allegedly voted as a non-citizen for 29 years. Attorney General Kris Kobach has supported these efforts by filing four cases this year against non-citizens for illegal voting.

Opponents of the measure argue the amendment is unnecessary because non-citizen voting is infinitesimal. Democratic candidate Jennifer Day questioned the need for the change, noting that the state constitution already requires citizenship for voter registration. Critics also warn that the amendment could lead to restrictive laws that suppress legitimate voters.