“Securing our elections is not a Republican issue. It’s not a Democrat issue. It’s an American issue,” said Secretary of State Kris Kobach, one of the proponents of the measure. “This bill ensures that in Kansas it’s easy to vote, but hard to cheat.”

(HT: Kansas City Star)

Voter ID should be an absolute no-brainer. It should be a no-brainer for the government; it should be a no-brainer for the citizens. In Kansas, this is the case. A tough voter ID bill passed both legislative houses with a dominant margin of victory. Gov. Brownback has announced his intention to sign it.

Thanks to the diligent and unstinting efforts of Kansas Secretary of State, Kris Kobach, Kansas becomes the 10th state to enact Voter ID legislation. The question here isn’t “what’s the matter with Kansas?” The question should be “what’s the hold-up in the other 40 states?” The Kansas City Star gives a good rundown of the legislation below.

•Voters would be required to provide an ID when they cast ballots starting Jan. 1, 2012. The ID could include a driver’s license, a state ID card, a passport, a military ID, or a license for carrying a concealed handgun. Exemptions could include people with permanent physical disabilities or active-duty military personnel and their spouses.

•A free state ID would be available to anyone 18 or older, as long they sign an affidavit stating they plan to vote and don’t have any other form of ID acceptable under the bill.

•Voters casting advance ballots by mail must provide a current driver’s license number, state ID card number or a copy of an acceptable ID form.

•Would-be voters must prove their citizenship when they register to vote beginning Jan. 1, 2013. Acceptable documents for proving citizenship include a birth certificate, a passport or a driver’s license from another state as long as the license shows they have proved their citizenship.

(KC Star, ObCit.)

Opponents claim the bill’s requirements are onerous. Baloney! This is no worse than having to remember your CAC Card if you work on a military base. How dare those iniquitous Republicans demand a measure of personal responsibility?

Secretary of State Kobach addresses a bigger problem than just election fraud. He seeks to instill greater trust in our governing processes. We don’t always have to like the people who win our elections. However, if we feel confident that those elections are fair, it does become easier to “man-up” and accept the results.

The outcomes from the Republican Tide that rolled over Kansas last fall so far seem beneficial. Legislation like this Voter ID bill give me confidence that what all of us involved in politics these days are doing makes a difference. Elections, we are told, have consequences. Working hard and electing decent people makes elections have positive consequences. Enjoy. Today was a victory.