Introduction Kansas was once known as a left-wing state; for example, we were on the right side of history when it came to the issue of slavery in America. However, conservatism has overwhelmingly taken over the state in recent decades. The aspects of what it means to be a conservative are not being called into question here; what is concerning, however, is the issue of discrimination and how it is rising again along with this conservatism. In 2012, Kansas adopted new voter ID restrictions under the Secure and Fair Elections law which has resulted in voter suppression of many Kansas citizens. As Kansas Secretary of State, you drafted this law and have defended it despite negative backlash. In this report, I will share with you some of the reasoning …show more content…
Therefore, tactics to restrict votes or disenfranchise voters challenge our democracy and suppress the rights of its citizens. Equal access to vote, voter ID laws, and gerrymandering are all tactics used in every state, including Kansas, to change electoral outcomes. A recent policy in Kansas, the Secure and Fair Elections law, is one example of a policy that places restrictions on voting (Bosman). Under this act, Kansans are required to show proof of citizenship in order to register to vote (Bosman). Consequently, many citizens have been dissuaded from voting due to the difficulties that arise when attempting to register (Bosman). As stated previously, strict voter ID laws, such as this one, disproportionately affect minority voters. Kansas is a Republican state and, as reported above, Republicans struggle to gain the votes of minorities. Therefore, tactics, such as preventing equal access to vote, creating strict voter ID laws, and gerrymandering, that are used in order to reduce the number of minority votes and their impact may seem appealing; however, utilizing these methods disenfranchises numerous citizens. Voting is a fundamental right guaranteed to every citizen, whether they are a part of the minority or the majority, and these policies aim to deny this right and disenfranchise