Kansas House Bill HB2120

Kansas 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/20/23
• Refer: 1/20/23
• Failed: 4/30/24

Caption

Requiring the secretary of state to periodically review state voter registration rolls to investigate when multiple voters utilize the same residential area address and when there are persons with discrepancies in the spelling of names at that address.

Impact

If enacted, HB2120 is expected to have significant implications for election management within the state. By requiring a more rigorous check on voter registrations, the bill is intended to reduce potential instances of voter fraud linked to duplicate registrations. This could increase confidence among the electorate that the voting process is secure and accurate. However, the bill may also introduce additional administrative burdens for the Secretary of State's office as they establish processes for these quarterly reviews and handle the identification and rectification of discrepancies.

Summary

House Bill 2120, proposed in the state legislature, mandates that the Secretary of State conduct quarterly reviews of the state's voter registration rolls. The primary goal of the bill is to investigate instances where multiple individuals are registered to vote at the same residential address. Additionally, it seeks to identify and address discrepancies in the spelling of names associated with these addresses, ensuring that individuals are not inadvertently counted multiple times in voter registration records. This systematic review aims to enhance the integrity of the electoral process in the state.

Contention

The discussion surrounding HB2120 could provoke debate among legislators and interest groups regarding the balance between ensuring electoral integrity and avoiding unnecessary disenfranchisement of voters. Critics may argue that the bill could disproportionately impact certain communities, particularly if individuals are wrongly flagged as having duplicate registrations or name discrepancies. Proponents of the bill, however, emphasize its importance in safeguarding the electoral system from fraud and inaccuracies. The potential for this legislation to affect voter registration processes warrants careful consideration of its implementation.