House Committee Could Vote On Kobach Bill

A Kansas House committee’s chairman says he hopes it will vote by the end of next week on a bill to require voters to show photo identification at the polls.

Elections Committee Chairman and Olathe Republican Scott Schwab says he thinks the bill proposed by GOP Secretary of State Kris Kobach has enough support to receive the panel’s endorsement.

The measure also would require people who register to vote for the first time in Kansas to provide proof that they’re citizens.

Kobach was scheduled to answer questions from committee members Friday about the measure, and opponents were set to testify the following Wednesday.

The panel’s ranking Democrat, state Rep. Ann Mah, of Topeka, argues the bill would suppress voter turnout. Kobach says such criticism is unfounded.