Governor to Sign Bills Changing State Election Laws

Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback is preparing to sign bills to change the timing of many local elections and to give the secretary of state the power to prosecute election fraud cases.

Brownback was having a signing ceremony Monday at the Statehouse.

One bill moves city and local school board elections from the spring to the fall of odd-numbered years. Supporters contend the change will boost turnout.

Critics say the change will be disruptive and that there are other ways to increase voter participation, including voting by mail.

Another bill would give Secretary of State Kris Kobach prosecution authority he’s sought for four years.

Kobach argues that county prosecutors often have too much other work to tackle election fraud cases. Kobach’s critics worry that he’ll abuse the new power.