IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jan. 24, 2007

Topeka – The Kansas House of Representatives voted 122-0 to approve House Bill 2019, a bill that will expand Kansas voters’ access to casting their ballots.

 “Today’s vote proves House members are committed to bringing more credibility to our state's electoral process and to ensure every qualified Kansan's vote is counted,” said Speaker Melvin Neufeld.  “HB 2019 will give county election commissioners the option of establishing satellite voting locations prior to Election Day.  Kansans who can’t make it to the polls on the first Tuesday of November deserve other opportunities to make sure their voices are heard.”

Currently Kansas law allows satellite voting in only Sedgwick and Johnson Counties.

“I was pleased to see House democrats unanimously supported this important piece of the House Republican Caucus agenda.  We hope the governor listens to her own party members and approves this election reform aimed making the election process more open to Kansas voters,” said House Majority Leader Ray Merrick.

The House Republican Caucus’ 2007 Legislative Agenda also includes Advance Voting Reform, and requiring photo identification to vote and campaign finance reporting during the 10-day period prior to elections.

“Improving access to all Kansas voters is a must for our election process,” said Elections and Governmental Organization Committee Chairman Mike Burgess. “Satellite voting has proven successful in Sedgwick and Johnson Counties and it is time to expand it to the rest of the state.”

HB 2019 now moves to the Kansas Senate.

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