Laura Kelly vetoes two election bills, tells Kansas lawmakers to ‘focus on real issues’

Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly on Friday vetoed two election-related bills passed by the Republican-led Legislature.

Kelly vetoed House Bill 2614 and House Bill 2618.

“Restrictive voting legislation of any kind is wrong,” Kelly said in a veto message. “Instead of making it more challenging for Kansans to participate in our democracy or focusing on problems that do not exist, I would urge the legislature to focus on real issues impacting Kansans.”

House Speaker Dan Hawkins, R-Wichita, views it differently.

“We can never rest on our laurels when it comes to the security of Kansas elections,” Hawkins said in a statement. “These common-sense pieces of legislation simply shore up current election laws and ensure the federal government isn’t putting its thumb unfairly on the scale in either direction.”

HB 2614 makes changes to advance voting, adding additional requirements for someone who delivers another voter’s ballot for them. The provisions would make it easier to enforce the state’s relatively new law banning anyone from delivering more than 10 advance ballots.

Supporters of the bill consider such activity to be ballot harvesting, while opponents say it helps certain voters participate in elections, such as those in nursing homes.

“This bill is an attempt to disenfranchise Kansas voters by enacting burdensome and unnecessary requirements that are designed to restrict and suppress advanced voting,” Kelly said. “Kansans have a right to participate in our democracy, but time and again some politicians have tried to interfere in the voting process. I will continue to oppose efforts that place obstacles between voters casting their ballots and making their voices heard.”

HB 2618 would also amend a relatively new state law that is being challenged in court. Republicans believe the change would decrease the chances the law is struck down as unconstitutional. That law criminalizes impersonation of an election official, which civic groups allege effectively criminalizes their voter registration activities.

“There is no evidence of widespread voter fraud or instances of individuals impersonating election officials in Kansas,” Kelly said.

The bill would also ban election offices from using any federal funding for election-related activities, like voter registration, without express permission in both state and federal law.

“Additionally, there is no reason to potentially restrict the use of federal funds for election purposes,” Kelly said. “Kansas is already one of the lowest-ranking states for use of utilizing federal funding. Accepting these dollars helps Kansas ensure smooth administration of our elections.”

HB 2614 didn’t have veto-proof majorities in both chambers. Neither did HB 2618, but it would have supermajorities if previously absent Republicans show up for an override attempt and vote with their caucus.

Hawkins indicated that override attempts will happen.

“House Republicans will continue fighting to keep our elections secure and ensure voter confidence,” he said.

Jason Alatidd is a Statehouse reporter for the Topeka Capital-Journal. He can be reached by email at jalatidd@gannett.com. Follow him on X @Jason_Alatidd.