Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach Argues Against Ballot Destruction

This newspaper report is somewhat biased but reveals the Kansas politico arguing for more investigation of the last election as the new one approaches . . . Here's the word:

Johnson County has held off on the state-mandated destruction of ballots since 2019 at the request of Hayden, a Republican, who says they are potential evidence. But, earlier this month, the Johnson County Commission voted to take a first step toward destroying the ballots.

Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab, also a Republican, had reminded the county that state law mandated the ballot destruction.

Since its inception following the 2020 election, Hayden’s investigation into Johnson County’s elections has resulted in no criminal charges. But, it has fueled conspiracy theorists and election deniers in Kansas and across the country as the sheriff touts his work at hard-right political events.

In early December, over Hayden’s objections, the county commission voted to allow Johnson County Commission Chairman Mike Kelly to appoint observers to watch over the process of the ballot destruction. While the appointment doesn’t authorize the destruction of the ballots, it’s a key first step.

But Kobach placed himself in the middle of the situation Wednesday.

“The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office is investigating potential crimes relating to the election process in your county,” Kobach, a Republican, said in a letter to Election Commissioner Fred Sherman Wednesday. “As the state’s chief law enforcement officer, I am concerned that the destruction of these ballots and other election related materials may hinder that investigation.”

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

Kris Kobach asks Johnson County to keep old ballots for sheriff's election investigation

Earlier this month, the commission took the first step toward destroying the ballots in accordance with state law.