Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach has told a federal court he is changing interagency policies that will improve the state’s ability to verify proof of citizenship for people who register to vote at motor vehicle offices.

The notice filed shortly before midnight Wednesday comes a day after a federal court ruled thousands of Kansans who did not provide such documents must be added to voter rolls for federal elections. The judge stayed her ruling until May 31 so the state could appeal.

Kobach contends the new policies were being implemented prior to that ruling.

Motor vehicle offices now accept and scan documents proving U.S. citizenship. Another change gives the secretary of state’s office and county election officers internet access to check whether motor vehicle offices possess such documents.