Election fraud case will not impact status of No Labels political party in Kansas

TOPEKA (KSNT) - A newly established political party in Kansas will stay in place despite the reveal of an election fraud case involving the organization.

On Monday, Feb. 19, Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach announced that a Florida man was arrested in connection to an election fraud case in Kansas. The man was arrested for allegedly forging signatures on petitions to help make 'No Labels' an officially recognized political party in the state of Kansas.

Whitney Tempel with the Kansas Secretary of State's (SOS) office told 27 News that a review was conducted on 'No Labels' petition in December of 2023. This was completed by the SOS's office alongside county election officials. Following this process, a referral was sent to Kobach's office for investigation into fraudulent petition signatures.

The revelation regarding the election fraud case put 'No Labels Kansas' in a precarious position in the Sunflower State. However, Tempel confirms the party will remain in place despite the recent arrest.

"The No Labels Kansas party submitted over 30,000 signatures. County election officials verified more valid signatures than what were required in order to verify the petition. Notwithstanding the attorney General investigation and announcement of fraudulent activity, the no labels Kansas party had sufficient signatures to be legally recognized political party ‘No Labels Kansas’ remains a legally recognized as a party."

Whitney Tempel, SOS

No Labels Kansas became an official political party in January, 2024 following an announcement from the SOS's office. While unable to participate in the August primary election later this year, No Labels Kansas can attain the status of a major political party, later becoming entitled to nominate its general election candidates, if its governor candidate receives more than 5% of the statewide vote.

At present, No Labels Kansas is on par, in terms of size, with Kansas' Libertarian Party. The group is part of a larger national movement that opposes the current presidential candidates of President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump and wants to offer voters a third party choice. You can learn more about No Labels by visiting its website.

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