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Kansas Governor Sebelius Vetoes Voter ID Bill |
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By Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius
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May 19, 2008 |
Governor’s Veto Message for HB 2019
Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius issued the following statement on her veto of Kansas HB 2019
 We have a rich history and tradition in Kansas of working to increase citizen participation in our democracy. Voting has become easier and more convenient in our state over the past decade due to measures like advance voting.
Here in Kansas and across the country, we have seen a record number of new voters active in the election process. Secretaries of State across the country are anticipating record-breaking turnout in November. We must take advantage of this opportunity to engage the next generation of leaders and decision makers in the political process, and ensure their participation continues throughout their lifetimes.
Additionally, no elected official should support enacting new laws discouraging or disenfranchising any American who has been legally voting for years. I cannot support creating any roadblock to prevent our citizens from adding their voices to the democratic discourse that makes our nation great.
The Secretary of State’s office is charged with the oversight of
elections in Kansas and our hard working county clerks and election
officials deserve thanks for ensuring the integrity of the democratic
process. I have the utmost confidence in their diligence to guarantee
secure and fair elections across our state. HB 2019 seeks to solve a
problem of voter fraud which does not exist in our state due to the
tireless efforts of our local election officials.
I am encouraged with the Legislature’s action to change the date of the
2012 presidential preference primary to the first Saturday in February.
However, I find it unfortunate that this measure, which would help
boost voter turnout and participation in the future, is coupled with
burdensome provisions prohibiting many across our state from exercising
their right to vote. I encourage the Legislature to take action on this
matter next session, and include funding for the primary in the FY 2012
budget.
It is my belief that HB 2019 goes against our state’s long standing
tradition of striving to achieve greater voter participation in our
democratic process. The needless, additional identification
requirements of HB 2019 will only work to disenfranchise many of the
electorate and serve as a barrier to their participation in the
democratic process. Therefore, pursuant to Article 2, Section 14 of the
Kansas Constitution, I veto House Bill 2019.
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