MESSAGES FROM THE GOVERNOR

Senate Substitute for House Bill No. 2056

An Act concerning elections; requiring a person listed on a certificate of nomination for a minor political party to accept such nomination by a notarized declaration; prohibiting such person from becoming a candidate for another political party; relating to the election crime of false representation of an election official; requiring specific intent of the offender as an element of such criminal offense; extending the time for testing election equipment; amending K.S.A. 25-302, 25-304, 25-306 and 25-2438 and K.S.A. 2024 Supp. 25-4411 and 25-4610 and repealing the existing sections.

Message to the Legislature of the State of Kansas:

While this bill cleans up some of the ambiguity and uncertainty regarding the crime of impersonating an election official, it is still unclear about what actions are prohibited. It uses the term “engaging in conduct” but only provides one specific example, making it still difficult to discern what is allowed and what could lead to criminal charges.

Kansans should be given every opportunity to exercise their constitutional right to vote, and I have concerns this bill would have a chilling effect on organizations that support voter engagement. This is an ambiguity either the courts or the Legislature need to fix.

This bill will become law without my signature, and I hope in the future the Legislature can provide greater clarity to protect Kansans’ constitutional right to vote.

Laura Kelly, Governor

Dated April 9, 2025.