Katherine T. Bennett Testimony in Kansas: Voter Identification Measures

ALEC Process and Procedures Task Force Director Katherine T. Bennett was recently invited to testify before the Kansas House Elections Committee regarding voter identification measures, particularly the use of photo identification in elections and indicating citizenship on a driver’s license.

Read her testimonies below:

Kansas House Election Committee Testimony Regarding House Bill 2448-

Thank you for the opportunity to speak today. My name is Katherine Bennett and I am the Director of the Process and Procedures Task Force at The American Legislative Exchange Council. As a 501c3, nonpartisan organization, ALEC is dedicated to the principles of limited government, free markets and federalism.

Based on non-partisan research and analysis, indicating citizenship on a driver’s license is a straightforward, effective tool that helps election officials do their jobs with confidence. Legal immigrants are fully entitled to apply for driver’s licenses in the State of Kansas, but only citizens are eligible to vote. When Kansans arrive at the polls on Election Day, they deserve a check-in process that is both simple and unquestionably secure. A citizenship notation provides election workers with an immediate, reliable way to confirm eligibility. It does not slow the process, but it does significantly strengthen the integrity of our elections. This is a small change with a substantial impact.

There are also clear benefits for law enforcement. Nineteen states currently issue driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants. A growing number of states are following Florida’s lead by enacting laws that prevent illegal immigrants from driving on their highways. Oklahoma is currently considering a law that would treat any out of state driver’s license issued to an  illegal immigrant as invalid and charge any diver with such a license with a “driving without a license” change. South Carolina is looking at a similar bill. As more states take up this issue, a citizenship notation on Kansas driver’s licenses would give law enforcement a fast, accurate way to determine citizenship status when necessary. It is a practical tool that supports officers in the field and reduces ambiguity in rapidly evolving situations.

ALEC recently published the Protect Your Highways Act, which includes a straightforward requirement to note citizenship on driver’s licenses. This is neither radical nor controversial. It is common-sense. Citizenship is a basic identifier that supports law enforcement and strengthens the integrity of our elections. Kansans deserve confidence in a system where voting is simple—and cheating is not. A clear citizenship notation does nothing to burden lawful voters, but it does make it far more difficult for bad actors to exploit the system. This is a practical safeguard that protects both our roads and our democracy.

Thank you, and I am happy to stand for questions.

 

Kansas House Election Committee Testimony Regarding HCR 5021

Mr. Chairman, Members of the Committee,

Thank you for the opportunity to speak today. My name is Katherine Bennett and I am the Director of the Process and Procedures Task Force at The American Legislative Exchange Council. As a 501c3, nonpartisan organization, ALEC is dedicated to the principles of limited government, free markets and federalism.

Based on non-partisan research and analysis, photo identification requirements are a widely popular way to secure elections without suppressing voter turnout. Photo ID laws directly protect against several forms of election fraud, including voter impersonation, voting by non-citizens, and individuals casting ballots in multiple jurisdictions. We know fraud happens, and even isolated instances undermine public confidence. It is our duty as leaders in a democratic nation to eliminate as many avenues for fraud as possible.

Requiring photo ID to vote is a simple security measure already required to buy alcohol, cigarettes, or even a ticket to certain blockbuster movies. It is not an undue burden to go through the same identification process to vote that one goes through to buy a beer at a ballgame.

These photo ID laws do not suppress voter turnout. Instead, they strengthen a system that hinges on trust. In 2025, researchers found that only 45% of the electorate was confident in our election system. This is an inditement of one of our most sacred democratic tools. Without trusted elections, no democracy can stand. Twenty-five states already require photo ID to vote, including Rhode Island. These states know that a secure election is a trusted election. 87% of Americans agree and support such laws.

States that have adopted photo ID requirements also demonstrate that these policies can be implemented fairly and responsibly. Many jurisdictions pair ID requirements with free state-issued identification cards, extended office hours, and provisional ballot options to ensure that every eligible voter can participate. These measures show that election security and voter access are not competing goals; they are complementary pillars of a healthy democracy.

ALEC’s model Valid Voter Identification Act outlines our recognized best practices for requiring voter photo ID. Photo ID requirements are not a barrier—they are a safeguard. They protect the legitimacy of every lawful vote, reinforce public trust, and align with the expectations of an overwhelming majority of Americans. If we want elections that citizens believe in, we must adopt policies that strengthen—not weaken—their confidence. A secure democracy depends on secure elections, and photo ID is a reasonable, responsible step toward that goal.

Thank you and I am happy to stand for questions.