Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab is advocating for changes to state election laws, including increased penalties for threatening poll workers, a ban on political parties nominating candidates without consent, and state regulation of ballot drop boxes. Schwab, a Republican considering a run for governor in 2026, emphasized the need for careful consideration of amendments to avoid legal challenges.
Schwab defended the accuracy of Kansas elections, noting successful elections in 2020 despite concerns. He refuted calls for a return to hand-counting of ballots, citing the accuracy and efficiency of computerized voting systems. Schwab also pushed for legislation to protect election workers from threats and interference while on duty.
Additionally, Schwab proposed state oversight of ballot drop box deployment to ensure security and consistency. He also recommended a law prohibiting political parties from nominating candidates without their consent, citing an incident where a party attempted to place a candidate on the ballot without their knowledge.
Overall, Schwab highlighted the need for modernization and security in Kansas elections, emphasizing the importance of following current laws and regulations. The Legislature will consider his recommendations as they aim to safeguard the integrity of the state’s voting process.
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