TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly on Monday vetoed Senate Bill 4.
The following veto message is from Governor Kelly regarding her veto of Senate Bill 4:
“The three-day grace period for mail ballots was a bipartisan solution approved by the Legislature in 2017 to address delays in processing of mail by the United States Postal Service, particularly in rural areas. The goal was to ensure that all Kansans had their votes counted, no matter where they lived.
“Not only will removing the three-day grace period for mail ballots disenfranchise thousands of Kansas voters, but it also shows a lack of understanding of our elections in Kansas. Implementing this will create confusion among county election officials, who will have to update policies and procedures on handling of mail ballots in a higher turnout election year.
“This bill is an attack on rural Kansans who want to participate in the electoral process guaranteed by our Constitution. I will not sign legislation that deprives Kansans from having their vote counted.
“Therefore, under Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution, I hereby veto Senate Bill 4.”
Jeffery W. Fogg II is a dedicated writer and storyteller with a passion for uncovering compelling narratives and shedding light on the human experience. He has a strong background in research and narrative development, honed through years of crafting stories that connect with diverse audiences. His writing is driven by a desire to engage readers, bring attention to important issues, and contribute to a well-informed community. Drawing on his ability to find depth in everyday moments, Jeffery aims to deliver insightful journalism that resonates with readers and sparks meaningful conversations.
Jeffery’s journey as a writer has been shaped by his diverse life experiences and educational background. He holds a B.A. in Religious Studies from the University of Colorado, where he explored cultural narratives and wrote a thesis on rural religious movements in the neo-Rustbelt. His curiosity about human stories led him to pursue a Juris Doctor at Washburn University School of Law, where he deepened his skills in research and advocacy. Through it all, Jeffery’s life has been guided by a commitment to learning, a love for storytelling, and a desire to share authentic voices from all walks of life.
