Kansas Will Vote on Voter Citizenship Amendment in 2026
The Kansas legislature has placed a constitutional amendment on the November 2026 ballot regarding voting eligibility.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Elections
Live Poll
Will you vote to amend the Kansas Constitution to further restrict voter citizenship requirements?
On November 3, 2026, Kansas voters will decide on a constitutional amendment that would change language regarding voter citizenship requirements. The measure seeks to clarify rules for U.S. citizen voting eligibility within the state.
Why it matters
Proponents argue the amendment will prevent potential noncitizen voting in local elections, while opponents contend the measure is redundant and could cause confusion among the electorate.
The proposed amendment would replace the word 'every' with 'no person' regarding U.S. citizen voting eligibility. This follows four lawsuits filed by the Kansas Attorney General against noncitizens who allegedly voted illegally.
The players
Kris Kobach
Kris Kobach is the Attorney General of Kansas who has filed four lawsuits against noncitizens for allegedly voting illegally.
The details
The Kansas Constitution currently mandates that voters must be U.S. citizens to participate in statewide races. While noncitizen voting remains illegal in all federal elections, this measure aims to formalize citizenship requirements through a constitutional change.
Timeline
A 2025 report by NPR noted that noncitizen voting is rare.
Kansans will vote on the proposed constitutional amendment on November 3, 2026.
Political Context
Critics of the measure point to its potential for creating voter confusion, arguing the state already has strict citizenship requirements in place. Resistance to the amendment emphasizes that existing laws currently prohibit noncitizen voting in state and federal elections.
The passage of this amendment would alter the foundational requirements for casting a ballot in Kansas elections. Voters will need to review the specific language change on their 2026 ballots to understand how it impacts eligibility standards.
The takeaway
Voters should examine the specific constitutional language to understand the shift from 'every' to 'no person' regarding eligibility. This amendment highlights the ongoing state-level debate over the enforcement of citizenship requirements at the ballot box.
What happens next
Kansans are scheduled to head to the polls to decide on this constitutional amendment on November 3, 2026.
Further reading
For more on upcoming state ballot measures, visit the Elections section.
Live Poll
Will you vote to amend the Kansas Constitution to further restrict voter citizenship requirements?
