By NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt joined his colleagues in expressing their thoughts that the election portions of H.R. 1 are not fair to states.
"It tries to lock in a lot of the really extraordinary and we think sometimes unjustified measures that were adopted by states around the country during the election as a result of COVID-19," Schmidt said. "At least, that was the excuse that was often used."
Schmidt sees it as a constitutional question.
"The U.S. Constitution contemplates that states, not the federal government, but states, have the lead in determining the manner in which federal elections are conducted in that state," Schmidt said. "That's particularly true in Presidential elections. There are two different clauses in the U.S. Constitution. One refers to states and Congress. The other refers only to states."
Anything that federalizes elections draws skepticism from his office.
"There are a number of particulars in H.R. 1 that are really concerning from a Kansas standpoint," Schmidt said. "For example, Kansas law for many years has required that when you show up at the polls, you have to show your identity, usually your driver's license. Kansas law also requires similar proof when you vote by mail."
Schmidt joined a coalition with 20 other state attorneys general in a letter to U.S. Senate and U.S. House leaders objecting to the legislation.