Dear Members of the League of Women Voters Wichita-Metro,

 

As I write this, we are finally coming out of the long cold spell, so it’s time to stop hibernating! We had our annual planning meeting to identify what we’ll be working on and promoting in the coming months. A flurry of sticky notes and colored dots, and more ideas and concerns than a unit three times our size could tackle in a decade, but we narrowed it down a little. And if you have an area of particular interest, talk to us about starting a study on it!

In February we have our annual concurrence meeting, when we learn more about what the State LWV is prioritizing, and concur or dissent as a Unit. We’ll be looking at the draft position on election administration, the result of a two-year study. The links to to the documents will be sent later on in the month with the reminder email for the meeting.

Richard Pund, one of the participants in the study, will join us to provide context and clarity, and to answer our questions. The meeting will be held via Zoom due to the unpredictability of February weather, beginning at 6:30 P.M. on February 26. Be on the lookout for the email with the meeting link. We’d like to have as many members as possible in attendance in order to assure that the consensus we present at the State convention truly represents the will of our members. As always, your vote is your voice!

We regretfully accepted the resignation of Carole Neal from her position as Co-Chair of Voter Services, but recognize that her life is calling her to different responsibilities. Fortunately, she has consented to continue to share her wealth of knowledge and experience on an ad hoc basis, and I know we will be in touch often. Thank you, Carole, for everything you have brought to this organization, both locally and at the State level.

Be sure to check out the event calendar to see where you can participate as things ramp up in this next election cycle. First up is the Presidential Preference Primary in March. For more information, see the Secretary of State's explanation of the process.

Check here for more important dates to be aware of as we move toward the November general election.

 

CLICK HERE FOR WEBSITE EVENT CALENDAR

Explore Kansas' legislative updates in Policy Watch #4 and Policy Watch #5: Agriculture Department budget Flat tax update Speed budgeting Census data update Consumer utility plans Farm to food bank funding/legislation   Tell your legislators to stop voter suppression bills. Next week, the House and Senate committees will hear: HB 2518: SOS can determine rules about drop boxes.   HB 2603: Citizen election oversight committee requires no knowledge of election processes.   HB 2572: Ballots delivered by others require ballots delivered to election office, photo ID and photo taken of individual.   HB 2571: All advanced ballots delivered to a drop box will be considered provisional until reviewed by election officers.   SB 365: Abolishing the three-day grace period for mailed ballots to arrive after election.

 

WHAT IS THE PRESIDENTIAL PREFERENCE PRIMARY?

The Republican and Democratic parties previously held a caucus to nominate their favored presidential candidates in Kansas. The state legislature chose to conduct a presidential preference primary election in 2024.

On March 19, voters will select their preferred candidate for presidential nominations within their political party. The results help determine how delegates are allocated to candidates at each party’s national convention, where the final nominee is officially chosen.

Tuesday, February 20, 2024
Deadline to register to vote or update voter registration information to participate in the Presidential Preference Primary. Last day to apply for an advance voting by mail ballot.

Wednesday, February 28, 2024
First day of advance voting.

Monday, March 18, 2024
In-person advance voting ends at 12:00 p.m.

Tuesday, March 19, 2024
Presidential Preference Primary Election
(All advance ballots by mail must be received by close of polls.)

 

 

Last month Planning Meeting, was “all-member” meeting where we discussed and voted what issues we feel needed to be prioritized for the coming year.

 

This month, we have the Concurrence Meeting. When concurrence is taken on an issue, the Study Committee writes the position then presents it to the membership.  It can be discussed and accepted or rejected.  It cannot be changed. The final vote for acceptance comes at State Convention. Concurrence is not done all that often by the League, so come and be a part of the decision making.

 

Unfortunately, "League Day at the Capitol" has been postponed indefinitely and maybe permanently. The LWV Kansas has not been able to secure a place to meet. 😞

CLICK HERE FOR WEBSITE EVENT CALENDAR

RSVP for Restore My Vote Community Meeting and Training If you're reading this email, it means you've shown you agree that democracy means everyone gets a seat at the table, and that all of our voices should be heard. As part of that vision, we invite you to join us for something transformative at our Restore My Vote training and resource fair.   Event Details:   Date:March 5th Time:6:30 PM-8:00 PM CT Location:Wichita United Church of Christ, 5200 E 31st St S, Wichita, KS 67210   Hear directly from system-impacted Kansans on how felony disenfranchisement causes confusion and silences tens of thousands of voices across our state, engage in discussion with experts on civic engagement amongst formerly incarcerated Kansas, and discover how your involvement can make a difference in the lives of those affected by felony disenfranchisement. .   Imagine a Kansas where every voice is heard. Now, picture yourself as a reason for this change. Take the first step and RSVP today!

RSVP for Restore My Vote Community Meeting and Training See you there!   Evan Altman he/him Voting Rights Organizer ACLU-KS P.S. Looking for other opportunities to get involved?  Learn how to be an activist for the long haul with our New Beehive Leader Orientation on Tuesday, Feb 13 at 6 p.m. on Zoom.