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Kansas committee backs bill to ban ranked‑choice voting statewide after extended debate
Summary
The Kansas Senate Committee of the Whole voted to report Senate Bill 6 favorably, a proposal to ban ranked‑choice voting across Kansas, after a lengthy debate about voter confusion, ballot exhaustion and local control.
The Kansas Senate Committee of the Whole voted to report Senate Bill 6 favorably, a measure that would prohibit the use of ranked‑choice voting in the state.
Senator Thompson of Johnson, the bill's carrier, told the committee that Senate Bill 6 "prohibits the use of ranked choice voting in the state of Kansas," and outlined how ranked‑choice ballots allow voters to rank candidates and are tabulated in multiple rounds. Thompson called the method "extremely confusing," said exhausted ballots are a problem in jurisdictions that have used it, and argued the process can erode voter confidence and increase administrative complexity.
Opponents disagreed. Senator Francisco of Douglas urged the body not to preempt local governments, arguing municipalities adopt election rules for local contests and that ranked‑choice voting can encourage more civil campaigning and reduce wasted votes. Several senators gave practical examples and said software can tabulate ranked‑choice ballots quickly; others said studies show downsides including ballot exhaustion and increased negative advertising in some places.
Senators also clarified that the bill would not prohibit traditional runoffs; Senator Thompson confirmed that runoff elections remain allowed. Members referenced examples from other jurisdictions, including Minneapolis (a ballot example was placed on senators' desks), Maine and New York City, and local discussion in Wichita about using ranked‑choice for filling city‑council vacancies.
After debate, Senator Thompson moved that the committee report Senate Bill 6 favorably for passage; the motion carried on a voice vote.
The committee report recommending passage of Senate Bill 6 (along with Senate Bill 4) was later read and adopted by voice vote. The transcript does not include a roll‑call tally for the committee's votes.
Formal action recorded in the committee: motion to report Senate Bill 6 favorably (mover: Senator Thompson) passed by voice vote.
