Kansas League speaks out on voter id law

Kansas League speaks out on voter id law

Submitted by Elisabeth Tue Apr 19 2011 10:42:00 GMT-0400 (EDT)

League of Women Voters of Kansas Statement:

"We are deeply disappointed but not surprised by the governor’s actions. This new law is a giant step backwards for voters’ rights.  By requiring eligible citizens to present government-issued, current and valid photo identification at the polling place in 2012 and proof of citizenship by 2013 in order to exercise their constitutional right to vote.

"This new government program is a prime example of wasteful use of taxpayers’ money on a new program that will cost citizens of Kansas millions of dollars to implement a new bureaucracy – all in an effort to “fix” a problem that doesn’t exist.

"In addition to the costs of supplying free ID’s to voters there are other significant costs that need to be addressed such as additional poll worker training, public education campaigns, defending against lawsuits, printing and mailing additional absentee ballots.  County and local governments will need more funds in order to stay open longer and accommodate voters who need to secure a photo ID.   When you take all of these factors into consideration the fiscal impact quickly increases.

"In addition to the extraordinary cost, this new government program could disenfranchise tens of thousands of registered voters without a valid photo ID due to disability, age, illness, transportation, or financial issues. Our state government should be in the business of making it easier for citizens to vote, not adding costly restrictions and hassles that will negatively impact voters. The League of Women Voters of Kansas and their voter coalition partners will continue to explore all options at their disposal to ensure that all eligible voters can vote and have their votes counted."