FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 25, 2016
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT Micah Kubic Executive Director 913-490-4101 [email protected]
ACLU of Kansas applauds introduction of Election Day Registration bill, calls for swift public hearing on legislation
OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (January 25, 2016) – The American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas called on lawmakers to quickly consider a new, bipartisan bill introduced today that would allow eligible Kansans to register and vote on Election Day.
“The time has come for Kansas to adopt Election Day voter registration,” said Micah Kubic, executive director of the ACLU of Kansas. “Providing eligible Kansas voters more opportunities to register to vote is good for our state and our democracy. Each of us has the responsibility to make sure that we are registered, but making the process more convenient and accessible should be part of the bargain. That’s why it’s great to see bipartisan support for this common-sense legislation.”
The bill was introduced earlier today by Rep. John Alcala (D-Topeka) and seconded by Rep. Barbara Bollier (R-Mission Hills). The bill was introduced after a request from the Kansas Black Leadership Council.
Election Day voter registration is an opportunity for Kansas to modernize its elections and increase participation. In fact, since 1980, states with Election Day registration have historically had average turnout rates that are about 10-12 percent higher than those states without it.
“Voting is one of the most fundamental rights that we have as Americans. That’s why Election Day registration is so important,” Kubic said. “It will increase participation and modernize voter registration to ensure our elections are free, fair and accessible. We applaud Reps. Alcala and Bollier for introducing this legislation, and the ACLU is proud to stand with the Kansas Black Leadership Council in calling for improvements to our state’s election system. Now it’s time for the Legislature to move forward with this important legislation and quickly schedule a hearing for public input.”
The ACLU of Kansas is the statewide affiliate of the national American Civil Liberties Union. The ACLU of Kansas is dedicated to preserving and advancing the civil rights and legal freedoms guaranteed by the United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
For more information, please contact Micah Kubic at 913-490-4101 or visit our website at www.aclukansas.org.
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View the ACLU of KS Fact Sheet on Election Day Registration