Federal judge finds Kris Kobach in contempt of court

U.S. District Court Judge Julie Robinson has found Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach in contempt for failing to comply with her orders in a lawsuit over the state’s voter registration law.

Robinson didn’t impose a fine but ordered Kobach to pay for damages caused by his failure to comply, including attorney fees.

Robinson in 2016 issued a temporary injunction blocking enforcement of the state’s proof of citizenship requirements, but the state continued to send notices to new applicants telling them they wouldn’t be allowed to vote. Before the November 2016 elections, Kobach told Robinson that counties would send postcards to notify those affected that they would be allowed to participate.