Kris Kobach On The Issues

In years past, some voters have treated the Secretary of State’s election as an afterthought—viewing the office as peripheral to what they really care about.  However, in 2010 the choice of Kansas’s Secretary of State will have unprecedented consequences.

1.  Stopping Voter Fraud

Voter fraud is a very real problem in Kansas.  Election crimes have been documented across the state—from fraudulent registrations, to vote-by-mail fraud.  As the activities of ACORN have demonstrated, organizations that promote voter fraud have burrowed into every corner of our country.  In Kansas, the illegal registration of alien voters has become pervasive.

And that is only half the problem.  The manipulation of election contests by unscrupulous attorneys has resulted in the stealing of close elections.  The pseudo-election of Al Franken is a case in point.  The Minnesota Secretary of State played a pivotal role in the heist—manipulating the process to pacify a leftist mob.

The problem is only going to get worse, unless the country’s secretaries of state take the necessary steps to protect the integrity of our elections.  The threat is real, and time is short.

Kansas’s next Secretary of State must possess the experience to begin addressing this crisis immediately.  As former Counsel to the U.S. Attorney General, I have the law enforcement background to combat this criminal activity.  As a law professor who teaches in the field, I know where the legal loopholes are—loopholes that must be closed.  We must enact a statute requiring photo ID to vote.  But that is only the first step.  Our voter rolls must be purged of thousands of deceased individuals, illegally-registered aliens, and felons.  And regulations must be promulgated to ensure honest elections and recounts.

If we do nothing, voter fraud will continue to rise; and close elections in Kansas will be stolen.  My mission will be to transform the Kansas election system into the most secure in the country.  In four years, I will accomplish this objective.

Wichita Eagle Op-Ed by Kris Kobach on Voter Fraud

2.  Guaranteeing Voter Access

Just as important as the honesty of elections is the accessibility of elections.  Every legally-eligible voter must be able to vote.  Unfortunately that is not always the case.  I am appalled that members of the U.S. military often face significant obstacles in exercising their right to vote—the very right that they are risking their lives to protect in other countries.  I will do everything possible to eliminate such obstacles.

3.  Improving Civics Education

As a law professor, I see a wide spectrum of civics education.  Some students come to law school with a thorough understanding of our country’s history and institutions.  Others come woefully unprepared.  The office of Secretary of State is uniquely positioned to address this issue.  Education is a lifelong passion of mine; and I will use the office to engage a new generation of citizens in Kansas.

Finally, I believe strongly in leading with a servant’s heart.  I can think of no greater privilege than serving the people of Kansas as their next Secretary of State.  I ask you for your support.