MESSAGES FROM THE GOVERNOR

House Bill No. 2569

An Act concerning elections; relating to actions challenging the constitutionality of state laws governing elections; requiring such actions to be brought in the district court of Shawnee county; relating to advance voting ballots; concerning court orders that invalidate or enjoin signature verification triggering a limitation on advance voting; amending K.S.A. 25-1119 and 25-1121 and repealing the existing sections.

Message to the Legislature of the State of Kansas

The ability to vote by mail preserves this fundamental right of any Kansan to participate in the democratic process. It eliminates barriers imposed by proximity to a post office, work schedules, age, disability or illness, lack of transportation. By eliminating the ability to vote by mail for many Kansans, HB 2569 will disenfranchise a significant number of Kansans who are not able to vote in person. That appears to be the purpose of this bill as there is scant evidence of illegal voting necessitating these restrictions.

Additionally, HB 2569, by requiring any lawsuits relating to election laws be filed in Shawnee County District Court, restricts due process and equal treatment under the law based on geography.

Therefore, pursuant to Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution of the State of Kansas, I hereby veto House Bill 2569.

Laura Kelly, Governor

Dated April 8, 2026.