UPDATE: Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Secretary of State Kris Kobach's proposal to start requiring first-time Kansas voters to produce proof of their U.S. citizenship next month has been revived in the state House.

House members gave the measure first-round approval Tuesday on a
67-53 vote and expect to take final action Wednesday.

Kansas has a proof-of-citizenship requirement for first-time voters, but it doesn't take effect until January.

Kobach wants the rule in place June 15, in time for a normal surge of registrations before a presidential election. Critics say the requirement will suppress voter turnout.

The House approved a version of Kobach's proposal in February, but that measure is stuck in a Senate committee.

Supporters hope if the House passes another version, the Senate will approve the measure without having its committee consider it first.

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

The Kansas House is trying to revive Secretary of State Kris Kobach's proposal to start requiring first-time voters to produce proof of their U.S. citizenship next month.

House members expected to vote on a bill Tuesday.

Kansas has adopted a proof-of-citizenship requirement for people registering to vote for the first time in the state, but it doesn't take effect until January.

Kobach wants the rule in place June 15, in time for a normal surge of registrations before a presidential election. Critics say the requirement will suppress voter turnout.

The House approved a version of Kobach's proposal in February, but that measure is stuck in a Senate committee.

Supporters hope that if the House passes another version, the Senate will approve the measure without having its committee consider it first.