KS finalizes effort to limit mail voting

A pair of election bills passed by the Legislature to limit advance voting options and restrict the authority to change election law prompted passionate debate in the Senate and House.

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April 13, 2021 - 7:59 AM

Rep. Vic Miller, D-Topeka, heavily criticizes a voting bill whose provisions, he said, would make criminals out of candidates and everyday citizens. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)

TOPEKA — A pair of election bills passed by the Legislature to limit advance voting options and restrict the authority to change election law prompted passionate debate in the Senate and House.

House Bill 2183, opposed by voting rights activists, would restrict the number of advance ballots an individual may deliver on behalf of others to a maximum of 10, loosened from five in negotiations. In addition, the measure would remove the authority of the secretary of state to extend the deadline for receiving mail ballots.

The bill also bans candidates from assisting neighbors, friends or family with their ballots.

Rep. Vic Miller, D-Topeka, questioned Republican efforts to target the practice of so-called ballot harvesting — gathering advanced ballots from voters and delivering them to the election office. He said he often assists those in his community who request help filling out and delivering their ballot.

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