VRM in the States: Kansas

Advances in Voter Registration Modernization

• Electronic Voter Registration: Kansas launched electronic voter registration at Driver’s License Stations in 2008. Clerks enter voters’ vocal responses electronically and collect signatures on an electronic pad. County officials log in daily to process applications that are transmitted electronically from Driver’s License Stations. Electronic registration in Kansas is subject to a statutory documentary proof of citizenship requirement that is currently enjoined pending ongoing litigation.
• Online Voter Registration: Kansas launched online voter registration through the Secretary of State’s office in 2009. Eligible citizens with a state driver’s license or non-driver ID can use the system to register to vote and update their registration information. Registrants are also required to submit a document proving their citizenship.

Gains from Voter Registration Modernization in Kansas

The steps Kansas has taken thus far have yielded increases in voter registration and financial benefits for the state. For example:

• During a March 2013 interview with Brennan Center staff, Kansas election officials reported cost savings in data entry time at the county level and fewer errors in processing application information due to online and electronic registration. The systems have reduced the need to hire temporary workers during peak registration times prior to elections.
• Kansas implemented online voter registration without any additional costs – the state built its system using existing staff and IT professionals.
• Registration rates nearly doubled following the launch of electronic registration at Driver’s License Stations in 2008.
• Between November 2014 and November 2016, the state received 43,251 new voter registration applications through its online portal.