FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Kansas Legislature Overrides Governor’s Veto, Affirms Commitment to Secure Elections
“When elected officials hesitate to put basic safeguards in place, it sends the wrong message to voters.”— Ken Cuccinelli, National Chairman of the Election Transparency Initiative
Lawmakers act to strengthen election safeguards after Gov. Kelly rejects measure aimed at protecting voter integrity
Arlington, VA — April 14, 2026 — The Election Transparency Initiative (ETI) today commended the Kansas Legislature for overriding Governor Laura Kelly’s veto of legislation designed to strengthen election integrity and improve safeguards in the state’s voting system.
The override marks a decisive action by Kansas lawmakers to move forward with commonsense election protections, despite opposition from the Governor, who raised concerns about the measure’s scope and impact.
“Kansas lawmakers made the right call,” said Ken Cuccinelli, National Chairman of the Election Transparency Initiative and former Acting Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security. “When elected officials hesitate to put basic safeguards in place, it sends the wrong message to voters. The legislature stepped in and made clear that protecting the integrity of the ballot is not optional.”
The legislation addresses key election administration policies, including oversight and enforcement mechanisms intended to ensure that only eligible voters participate and that election procedures are followed consistently across the state.
The veto override reflects growing momentum among state legislatures nationwide to reinforce voter confidence through clear, enforceable election laws. Supporters argue that such measures are essential to maintaining trust in election outcomes, particularly as states prepare for upcoming federal and state election cycles.
“Voters deserve to know that their vote won’t be diluted or canceled out by unlawful ballots,” Cuccinelli added. “That’s not a partisan idea—it’s a foundational principle of fair elections.”
The Kansas action comes as debate continues in Washington over federal election integrity legislation, including the SAVE Act, which would establish nationwide standards to verify voter eligibility in federal elections.
“States like Kansas are leading where Washington has stalled,” Cuccinelli said. “With primaries already underway and the general election approaching, it’s time for the U.S. Senate to stop delaying and act on meaningful election integrity reforms.”
Media Availability
ETI Chairman Ken Cuccinelli is available for interviews on ranked choice voting or other non-traditional voting systems, state-level election reforms, and federal election integrity efforts. Members of the media may submit interview requests at: https://electiontransparency.org/contact/
About the Election Transparency Initiative
ETI works nationwide to advance commonsense election reforms that protect the integrity of the vote and strengthen public trust in election outcomes through policies that enhance transparency, accountability, and confidence in American elections. Ken Cuccinelli serves as National Chairman of ETI. He previously served as Acting Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and as Attorney General of Virginia.
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