Kansas 2023-2024 Regular Session

Kansas Senate Bill SB343

Introduced
1/12/24  
Refer
1/16/24  

Caption

Prohibiting the mailing of advance voting ballot applications to voters unless by a county election official pursuant to a request by the voter.

Impact

By mandating that only county election officials can send applications for advance voting ballots, SB343 seeks to centralize and regulate the distribution of voting materials. This change could significantly reduce the risk of voter fraud and improve the management of ballots throughout the election process. Additionally, it enhances identification requirements for voters applying for ballots. The bill also includes provisions for verifying voter signatures and affording opportunities for provisional ballots under certain circumstances, which could streamline the voting process for those unable to provide adequate identification at the time of voting.

Summary

Senate Bill 343 aims to amend election laws in Kansas specifically concerning advance voting ballots. The bill prohibits the mailing of advance voting ballot applications except by county election officials and only upon the request of the voter. This legislative measure is being introduced to increase the integrity of the voting process and to ensure that ballot applications are not sent out indiscriminately or fraudulently. The bill establishes specific criteria for how voters may request and verify their identities when applying for advance voting ballots, emphasizing stricter control over the process.

Contention

While proponents of SB343 argue that it enhances election security and accountability, critics contend that it may inadvertently disenfranchise eligible voters. Concerns have been raised regarding the increased burden on voters, particularly those who may find it difficult to provide the required identification or navigate the process of requesting ballots. The bill's supporters assert that it is necessary for maintaining the integrity of elections, while opponents worry that it imposes unnecessary barriers to voting, particularly for individuals with disabilities or those facing logistic challenges.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

KS HB2453

Requiring applications for advance voting ballots be filed by the 14th day prior to election day, that advance voting in person be completed by 12:00 p.m. on the Sunday prior to election day, extending the time for transmittal of advance voting ballots to 22 days prior to an election and ending the time for voter registration at 23 days prior to election day.

KS HB2269

Requiring the election commissioners in the four largest counties to designate at least three advance voting sites as determined by the board of county commissioners and providing for in-person advance voting 20 days prior to an election in such counties.

KS SB4

Requiring the return of advance voting ballots by 7:00 p.m. on the day of the election.

KS HB2016

Including funeral home online obituary notices as sufficient grounds for removal of a deceased voter from the voter registration books; requiring that poll workers be citizens of the United States and live within the state of Kansas; prohibiting the disqualification of active military members, spouses or other dependents who are citizens of the United States as poll workers on the basis of residency or being a registered voter; relating to advance voting ballot applications; modifying the requirements for soliciting registered voters to submit advance voting applications.

KS HB1162

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in county boards of elections, furth er providing for powers and duties of county boards; in preparation for and conduct of primaries and elections, further providing for manner of applying to vote, persons entitled to vote, voter's certificates, entries to be made in district register, numbered lists of voters and challenges and for ballots to be issued by election officers only, ballots not to be removed and official ballots only to be deposited or counted; in voting by qualified absentee electors, further providing for applications for official absentee ballots, for date of application for absentee ballot, for official absentee voters ballots, for voting by absentee electors and for canvassing of official absentee absentee ballots and mail-in ballots; in voting by qualified mail-in electors, further providing for applications for official mail-in ballots, for official mail-in elector ballots and for voting by mail-in electors.

KS HB2017

Requiring the return of advance voting ballots by 7:00 p.m. on the day of the election.

KS SB4

Requiring all advance voting ballots be returned by 7:00 p.m. on election day.

KS HB473

In voting by qualified absentee electors, further providing for applications for official absentee ballots; and, in voting by qualified mail-in electors, further providing for applications for official mail-in ballots.

KS HB499

In voting by qualified absentee electors, further providing for applications for official absentee ballots, for date of application for absentee ballot, for envelopes for official absentee ballots and for voting by absentee electors and providing for secure ballot return receptacles; and, in voting by qualified mail-in electors, further providing for applications for official mail-in ballots, for date of application for mail-in ballot, for approval of application for mail-in ballot, for envelopes for official mail-in ballots and for voting by mail-in electors.

KS SB705

In voting by qualified mail-in electors, further providing for applications for official mail-in ballots.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.