Johnson County voters will see a new constitutional amendment on the November 3 ballot that would explicitly state that illegal immigrants cannot vote in Kansas elections. The current language simply says “Kansas citizens who reside in the state may vote.” The proposed wording replaces the word “citizens” with a prohibition on non‑citizen voting.

What the amendment does

The amendment does not change who is currently eligible to vote—illegal immigrants are already barred from casting ballots in Kansas. Instead, it codifies that restriction in the state constitution, turning the existing implicit rule into an explicit statement.

Expert perspective

University of Missouri‑Kansas City law professor Steve Leben explained the practical effect of the change. “Right now the constitution says Kansas citizens who reside in the state may vote. The proposed wording would say illegal immigrants cannot vote,” he said. Leben likened the amendment to a club sign that reads “members only” instead of “all members are welcome.” He warned that while the amendment itself does not automatically expand voting restrictions, it could give future legislators a clearer path to impose additional limits.

“Fifteen states have already passed similar provisions, and in some of those states there have been additional moves to have more restrictions on voting, and in others there have not. So it doesn’t automatically mean there would be, and there’s at least a little more possibility of it if it passes,” Leben added.

Why the measure matters to voters

Ballot measures that lack a strong, well‑known opposition often pass, according to Leben. “It’s hard to articulate either the reason we need it or a reason to oppose it. And so when something is on the ballot and there’s not a strong reason to object to it, usually it passes,” he said.

Supporters argue the amendment simply clarifies the constitution and prevents any future confusion about voting eligibility. Critics worry it could be a stepping stone toward broader voting restrictions that might affect other groups.

How to vote

Early voting in Johnson County runs from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. all week leading up to Election Day. Voters who wish to support the amendment should mark “Yes” on the ballot; those who oppose it should select “No.” The outcome will determine whether Kansas’ constitution explicitly bans illegal immigrants from voting or retains its current, more general language.

What’s next

If the amendment passes, Kansas’ constitution will be amended to read that illegal immigrants cannot vote. If it fails, the wording will remain unchanged. Either way, the vote will signal Kansas voters’ stance on codifying voting eligibility and could influence how other states approach similar language.

Original reporting: KSHB 41 Kansas City (local) — read the source article.