Kelly allows Kansas election official impersonation bill to become law

A bill passed into law that changes the legal requirements for a person to be charged with impersonating an election official last month.

The measure adds a specific intent requirement for prosecuting individuals accused of falsely posing as an election official. Previous law allowed for prosecution for impersonation based on how their actions were perceived, even without proof that they intended to deceive. The crime is still classified as a level 7 nonperson felony.


Gov. Laura Kelly allowed the bill to be passed into law without her signature. Kelly said in a statement that she had concerns with the section dealing with impersonation of election officials.

“While this bill cleans up some of the ambiguity and uncertainty regarding the crime of impersonating an election official, it is still unclear about what actions are prohibited,” Kelly said. “It uses the term ‘engaging in conduct’ but only provides one specific example, making it still difficult to discern what is allowed and what could lead to criminal charges.”



https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article306332321.html#storylink=cpy