Topeka ? State officials say a new system that would help residents to register to vote at motor vehicle offices won’t be operating by January, when a new proof-of-citizenship law starts.

Donna Shelite, director of vehicles for the Department of Revenue, said the portal that automatically sends documents from motor vehicle offices to election offices won’t be ready until next spring.

The Wichita Eagle reports that the voter registration documents will be available at the motor vehicle offices in January.

Kobach’s deputy assistant, Brad Bryant, said county election officials will be able to verify proof of citizenship during the few months between when the law takes effect and when the new system goes online.