Black leaders call for Election Day voter registration

The Kansas Black Leadership Council is asking the state to allow people to register to vote on Election Day.

The Wichita Eagle (http://bit.ly/1Yu0QSN) reports the proposal was included in the council’s 2016 legislative agenda and is a response to the state’s requirement that people provide proof of citizenship in order to register.

State law requires voters to register at least 21 days before the election.

Bonita Gooch, the council’s president, said in a statement that allowing people to register to vote on Election Day would eliminate an extra step for those who don’t have the proper documentation when trying to register before the election, and address concerns about voter fraud. Voter fraud concerns prompted the citizenship requirement.

Secretary of State Kris Kobach said he strongly opposes same-day registration and that it leaves the door open for voter fraud.


Information from: The Wichita (Kan.) Eagle, http://www.kansas.com.