Kansas GOP Faces Setbacks in Attempt to Amend Mail Ballot Return Policies Amid Conspiracy Theories – Sky Bulletin

In the Kansas Legislature, where Republicans hold the majority, attempts to revamp mail ballot return deadlines are being frustrated by persistent unfounded election conspiracy theories. A proposed bill aiming to reduce the time frame for mail ballots to be returned is being jeopardized in the process.

Legislators were poised to vote on a measure that would remove the additional three-day window post-election day that is currently allowed for mail ballots to reach election offices. Supporters within the GOP contend that this period could weaken the public’s trust in election outcomes, although there has been no substantial evidence of issues caused by this extension.

Debate in the Senate introduced amendments to the legislation that called for a prohibition on remote ballot drop boxes and, beginning in 2023, a ban on using machines to count votes. These elements, frequently targeted with conspiracy theories, have come to the fore since false claims about the 2020 presidential election being stolen were widely popularized by former President Donald Trump.

While the Senate’s passage would advance the bill to the House, the newly introduced constraints on ballot drop boxes and counting machines greatly lessen its chances of success. The original proposal, focusing on mail ballot deadlines, was already contentious and unlikely to overcome a veto from Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly.

Despite the divided sentiment within the GOP, some lawmakers had been optimistic about passing a more focused bill and mustering enough votes to counter Kelly’s anticipated veto.

Internal disagreements are evident among Republicans, with Kansas’ Secretary of State Scott Schwab, a staunch Republican himself, consistently endorsing the security of the state’s elections and supporting the use of ballot drop boxes. Schwab remains neutral on whether the grace period for mail ballots should be maintained or eliminated.

Multiple states have stringent Election Day deadlines for mail ballots, while deadlines in others vary. Voting rights advocates caution that reducing the submission timeframe in Kansas could harmfully impact thousands of voters, notably affecting those in marginalized groups.

In the House, plans are discussed to extend early voting as compensation for the proposed shortened mail ballot deadline. House GOP committee chair Rep. Pat Proctor pointed out the lack of support for restricting ballot drop boxes, stating their widespread acceptance among the public and his own confidence in the current system.

Arguments during the Senate’s debate saw some conservative Republicans claim, without foundation, that vote-tabulating machines are susceptible to manipulation. They also misinterpreted alarming letters, a few laced with fentanyl, sent to election offices as ballots from drop boxes, further muddying the debate.

The GOP’s division on these election issues was underscored by a comment from Sen. Mark Steffen, who criticized the opposition to banning vote-tabulating machines as inadequate. Steffen urged his colleagues to stand firm on what they believe is right.