Kansas Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights Announces Public Meeting

TOPEKA, Kan., Dec. 9, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Kansas Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights will convene a series of panel discussions to examine the voting requirements outlined in the S.A.F.E. Act, and the potential disparate impact such requirements may have on the basis of race, color, age, religion, or disability.

The meeting will take place on Thursday, January 28, 2016, from 9:00 am to 5:15 pm at the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, located at 1515 SW 10th Avenue, Topeka, Kansas 66604. This meeting is free and open to the public. Parking will be available at the event free of charge. Individuals with disabilities requiring reasonable accommodations should contact the Midwest Regional Office a minimum of ten days prior to the meeting to request appropriate arrangements.

Of concern to the Committee is the potential for voter identification and proof of citizenship requirements as outlined in the S.A.F.E. Act to prevent citizens from exercising their right to vote—particularly citizens who may be disparately impacted on the basis of race, color, age, religion, or disability.  Elizabeth Kronk-Warner, Chair of the Kansas Advisory Committee said, "As we continue to examine the Kansas S.A.F.E. Act and its potential impacts on voters, we look forward to hearing the perspectives of community members and experts."

The Committee will hear testimony from community members, academics, government officials, and voting officials. Members of the public will also be invited to speak during an open forum session beginning at 4:30 pm. The Committee will accept written testimony submitted to Melissa Wojnaroski at [email protected] by February 27, 2016. The Committee will issue its findings and recommendations in a report to the Commission after all testimony has been received.

The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights is an independent, bipartisan agency charged with advising the President and Congress on civil rights matters. For information, visit http://www.usccr.gov.

Media contact: Melissa Wojnaroski 
Civil Rights Analyst                                                     
(312) 353-8311                                                                                                                        [email protected]

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110524/DC08224LOGO

SOURCE U.S. Commission on Civil Rights

Related Links

http://www.usccr.gov