Publication date: January 23, 2023
Written by: Sarah Coffey
The Center for Excellence in Polling (CEP) recently surveyed likely voters in Kansas on important issues in the state. Voters in the Sunflower State display support for reforms that would lower their income taxes, ensure only the eligible are receiving welfare benefits, and keep elections secure and transparent.
Kansas supports lowering taxes
An overwhelming majority of likely Kansas voters support lowering the state income tax—nearly two-thirds are either strongly or somewhat supportive of such a reform (70%).
Similarly, Kansans support raising the number of votes needed in the state legislature to raise taxes. Two-thirds of likely voters, including a majority of Independent voters (65%), strongly or somewhat support requiring at least two-thirds of state legislators to approve an increase in state taxes before it is allowed to take effect (65%). Currently, the state legislature only needs a simple majority vote to do so.
Welfare integrity is popular
Kansans support measures that would bring integrity to welfare programs to ensure resources are available for those who are eligible and truly needy…
74%
… of likely voters, including 72 percent of likely Democrat voters, strongly or somewhat support checking eligibility of individuals on welfare more frequently and with better technology to verify eligibility.
70%
… of likely voters strongly or somewhat support requiring able-bodied adults without young children to work, train, or volunteer at least part time as a condition of eligibility for public housing.
68%
… of likely voters, including more Democrats (81%) than Republicans (72%), strongly or somewhat support requiring non-custodial parents to cooperate with the state’s attempts to collect child support as a condition of eligibility for food stamps.
Kansans want to keep elections secure
Requiring absentee ballots to include a valid, government-issued ID number, such as a state ID number or the last four digits of a Social Security number is a reform strongly supported by a majority of likely Kansas Republicans (76%) and Independents (62%). Similarly, Republicans (71%) and Independents (51%) strongly or somewhat support creating a special unit within the Kansas Attorney General’s Office that investigates election law violations.
While Democrat support for election reforms in the state is more selective, half of likely Democrat voters are strongly or somewhat supportive of requiring all completed absentee ballots to be received by the elections office by the time polls close on Election Day (50%).
Similarly, Independents also found this reform most compelling of all the election reforms polled.
Bottom line
Kansans of all political persuasions are open to reforms that will improve integrity in welfare programs and result in a lower state income tax. Meanwhile, both Republicans and Independents display encouraging support for reforms that could lower taxes and secure elections.