Proposed amendment aims to clarify constitutional language on voter eligibility in Kansas

TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) - Advocates say a question on the November ballot will protect voter integrity.

“We wouldn’t change the fact that what the founders did was that they gave the states the right to determine who can vote,” said Becky Arps with Only Citizens Vote.

The Citizen Only Voting Amendment (COVA) will rephrase existing language in the Kansas constitution, stating only U.S. citizens have the right to vote in local, state and federal elections in Kansas.

“I actually hope this will increase turnout, that people will be motivated by the opportunity to say with one voice--loud and clear--to the Kansas courts that ‘No,’ only U.S. citizens should be able to vote in our elections,” said State Rep. Pat Proctor, the Republican candidate running for Secretary of State.

Sponsor cites recent cases

Proctor is a sponsor of COVA. He says recent cases of non-citizens voting show the proposal is needed.

​“The numbers being low--in my mind-- proves the case. When you have laws on the books, and if you enforce those laws, it deters people from breaking the law,” Proctor said.

Democratic challenger raises questions

​“I’m not exactly--you know, 100% sure--why they spent time on it. Because our constitution already states you must be a citizen in order to register to vote,” said Jennifer Day, the democratic candidate who is challenging Proctor.

​Day tells 13 NEWS she neither supports nor opposes the amendment. However, she fears it could confuse voters.

“Anytime we’re making an effort to change our constitution, I think that people should be very deliberate in their effort to understand why we’re trying to make a change to the constitution. Is it going to make our lives better? Is it going to make it easier for us to vote? Is it something that’s going to make it harder for us to register and exercise that right to vote?” Day asked.

Proctor said he wants Kansans to make their voices heard in November.

“I look forward to November. It’s up to voters, not me,” he said.

Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach has filed four cases this year, accusing non-citizens of voting illegally.