Judge says Kansas can't require citizenship proof to vote

(AP) — A judge said Tuesday that Kansas can't require people to show proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote for federal elections at motor vehicle offices.

The American Civil Liberties Union, which filed the lawsuit on behalf of voters, said the ruling means thousands of people will be able to vote in the 2016 elections, and "sends a signal" to other states which may be considering these kinds of registration requirements.

Arizona is the only other state that has actually implemented it, and that state has made sure eligible voters who register at motor vehicle offices make it onto the voter rolls for federal elections.

Federal law does not prohibit states from requiring more information to determine eligibility to vote in state elections, and Kansas has a dual registration system that bars people who do not provide proof of citizenship from voting in local and state elections.

Kobach said he plans to appeal Robinson's ruling, saying counties would have to distinguish between people who register to vote at driver's license offices and other prospective voters.