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Minutes for SB412 - Committee on Ethics, Elections and Local Government
Short Title
Permanent advance voting status extended to any registered voter but such status will end if two consecutive elections are missed.
Minutes Content for Thu, Feb 20, 2020
Chairperson Bowers opened the hearing on SB412. Charles Reimer, staff revisor, presented a briefing on the bill. After questions by the Committee were addressed, the hearing continued.
Rick Piepho testified in support of SB412 on behalf of the KCCEOA explaining this issue was part of the KCCEOA legislative platform. Mr. Piepho stated they believe the bill is important for a number of reasons, from an administrative standpoint and for voter participation, to basically create a third class of advance by mail voters. Mr. Piepho indicated there could be a cost reduction especially in the large counties as more people apply to receive these ballots, they can better schedule polling places and the number of poll workers. Mr. Piepho addressed questions from the Committee. (Attachment 1)
Rich Vargo testified in support of SB412. Mr. Vargo stated the expansion of the eligibility for permanent advance voting status will have a positive impact on the convenience for the voter, the congestion at the polling places and significantly increase voter participation for all elections. Mr. Vargo explained these would not be a provisional ballot; just like if you go to the polls, it's only a provisional ballot if there's something wrong with it. Mr. Vargo addressed questions from the Committee. (Attachment 2)
Written testimony in support of SB412 was submitted by:
Jay Hall, Legislative Policy Director and General Counsel, Kansas Association of Counties (Attachment 3)
Nadine Johnson, Executive Director, American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas (Attachment 4)
Amber F. McReynolds, Chief Executive Officer, National Vote at Home Institute (Attachment 5)
Andy Tuttle, President of the Kansas State Association of Letter Carriers (Attachment 6)
Written neutral testimony for SB412 was submitted by:
Katie Koupal, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, Communications and Policy (Attachment 7)
After questions by the Committee were addressed by the conferees, Chairperson Bowers closed the hearing on SB412.
