 |  | Dear Members of the League of Women Voters Wichita-Metro,
Hello, and Happy Women’s History Month! We feel incredibly fortunate to be part of an organization that has a rich history and continues to make significant contributions today. As we celebrate Women’s History Month in March, we encourage you to take a few minutes to explore the resources on our website, as well as the LWVK and League of Women Voters US websites, to discover more about how the League has played a role in making “herstory”.
March is a month full of exciting opportunities to break out of hibernation. Don't forget to check our events calendar in this VOTER and stay tuned for updates in your emails and on our website. Here are just a few highlights:
- ACLU Restore My Vote event on March 5 from 6:30 to 7:30 at Wichita UCC (look for our table!)
- Naturalization Ceremony on March 7th from 10:30 to 12:30 at WSU Hughes Metroplex
- March 12th Postcard writing event to expand Medicaid
- Unit Meeting: Reproductive Rights on March 25 from 6 to 8 PM at the Advanced Learning Library
- Tuesday Topics on March 26 from 6 to 7 PM at the Advanced Learning Library
And this is just a glimpse! Numerous presentations and tabling events by Voter Services are in the works. For more information on those opportunities, feel free to reach out to Barbara Bell at voterservices@lwvwichita.org.
We're also on the lookout for fresh talent to join the Board. Board meetings take place on the third Saturday of each month from 9 AM to noon at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 925 N Waco, Wichita. You are always welcome to attend, observe how things work, ask questions, and be part of the conversation.
We look forward to seeing you soon at one of our many events!
Jessica Maldonado and Nancy Brown, Co-Presidents
League of Women Voters Wichita - Metro
| Join us for
League Day at the Capitol
Monday, March 11
Discover, connect & act! Take a look at what we have planned
Participation will be limited to the first 75 registrants so don't wait!
Registration deadline: Noon on March 5. Seating will be limited.
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URGENT! URGENT! URGENT!
ELECTION WORKERS NEEDED
The County desperately needs election workers for election day (March 19) at Urban League. They have training classes every day (both morning and afternoon) this week through Friday morning and one final training class next Thursday, March 7.
Contact Laura Rainwater at Laura.Rainwater@sedgwick.gov
Here is more information about becoming an election worker
|  | Medicaid Expansion Postcard Campaign
We know that the power of women coming together can effect change! Join the Badass Women of Wichita Alliance to work on bringing the stalled Medicaid (KanCare) Expansion bill to the floor and to a vote. Join us on March 12 from 6-8 pm at the Wichita Advanced Learning Library, 711 W. 2nd St., to hear about this important issue and write postcards to legislators and state leaders to let them know how important this issue is to women and their families.
Other organizations participating include the League of Women Voters of Wichita Metro, the Alliance for a Healthy Kansas, and Women for Kansas. Register for this free event at FinishingSchoolForModernWomen.com. You can make a difference to 150,000 Kansans who cannot access healthcare without this expansion.
This event is open to the public, and everyone is welcome. Registration is free.
|  | News from LWV of Kansas
We are halfway through the legislative session. Continue to tell your legislators how you feel about various bills.Email them, call them, send postcards or stop them on the sidewalk to express your views! Here's an update on the election legislation.
Several voter suppression bills that League opposes are still alive after turn-around, including:
- SB 365: Ends the three-day grace period to receive mailed ballots after the election.
- SB 366: Requires election offices to receive a voter request before sending an application for a mailed ballot.
- SB 368: Prohibits any form of ranked choice voting (also called instant run-off voting).
Numerous anti-reproductive rights bill have been introduced:
- HB 2814, SB527, SB 528: Requires ultrasounds before an abortion.
- HB 2653, SB 425: Requires child support to begin at conception.
- HB 2813: Protects women from coerced abortions.
- HB 2809, HB 2784: Expands "alternatives to abortion" funds.
- HB 2749, HB 2809: Improves abortion reporting.
Explore more Kansas' legislative updates in our latest Policy Watch.
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The League of Women Voters of Kansas is a grassroots, volunteer, political organization with members at large and nine local Leagues across the state.For nearly 100 years, LWVK has encouraged the informed and active participation of citizens in government and influenced public policy through education and advocacy. The League does not endorse candidates or political parties.
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|  | Are you passionate about civic engagement, community advocacy, and making a positive impact? The League of Women Voters of Wichita is looking for dedicated individuals like you to join our dynamic team on the Board of Directors!
As a crucial part of our organization, the Board of Directors plays a key role in shaping the future of the League of Women Voters. We currently have several openings on our board, and we want YOU to consider being a part of this exciting journey.
Why Join the Board of Directors?
- Make a Difference: Contribute to the League's mission of empowering voters and defending democracy.
- Leadership Opportunities: Develop and showcase your leadership skills while working with a passionate team.
- Network: Build connections with like-minded individuals and community leaders.
- Personal Growth: Enhance your knowledge of civic issues and community engagement.
- Be a Voice: Advocate for important issues that matter to you and your community.
How to Apply:
If you are ready to make a positive impact in Wichita, we invite you to apply for one of the open positions on our Board of Directors. To express your interest and learn more about the positions, please email Randi@lwvwichita.org. As part of our conversation, we explore how your skills and interests can best be utilized for our open positions.
Join us in our mission to empower voters and create a more informed and engaged community. Together, let's make a lasting impact on Wichita! |  | | Next Naturalization Ceremony
Thursday, March 7, 2024
11 am
Come help new citizens become registered voters! We would love for you to join us for the next ceremony.
Sign up here:
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ARE YOU PREPARED TO VOTE IN THE PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY?
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.
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.)
SIGN UP TO BE A POLL WORKER TODAY!
It’s never too early to help democracy! By signing up to be a poll worker, you can ensure that all voters—including voters with disabilities, voters who need language assistance, and voters who want to cast their ballot in person—have a positive experience at the polls. Sign up today! |  |
We need your support to send our delegates to LWVUS Convention in Washington DC.
Our LWVUS Convention will take place June 27-June 30. This is a hybrid event and will take place in Washington, DC and online. Based on our membership count we have 3 voting delegates. More information will be coming soon with the costs for attending in-person or by Zoom. Our league budgets for our voting delegate's registration fees but we do not budget for travel expenses or room.
To assist our potential voting delegates with their traveling expenses, our league is establishing a fund for that purpose. If you would like to make a contribution toward travel and/or housing costs for our 2024 LWVUS Convention voting delegates, you may write a check to our treasurer with "convention" in the memo line. Mail your checks to:
Treasurer, LWV WIchita-Metro
P.O. Box 2411
Wichita, KS 67201
You can also make a donation directly from our website. Click the button below to donate to the LWVUS 2024 Convention Travel effort to support sending our local voices to be heard from the national league!
**If you have experience with fundraising efforts like this one, we are looking for members to help expand our fundraising efforts in 2024. Share your expertise and time by volunteering with the League! Contact membership@lwvwichita.org if you are interested to learn more about available opportunities. |
Tens of thousands of Kansans with past felonies are eligible to vote, but may not know it. RSVP for the Restore My Vote Community Meeting on Tuesday, March 5 at 6:30 p.m. at the Wichita United Church of Christ at 5200 E. 31st St. S, Wichita, KS 67210.
You'll hear from Kansans impacted by the criminal legal system about the effects of felony disenfranchisement and receive training to inform your community about their right to vote.
Democracy is the tool we use to hold those in power accountable. System-impacted Kansans have first-hand experience with our state’s policies, and their voice is vital in our decision-making process. For many, voting after incarceration can be a true second chance.
For more information, visit this page:
|  |  | Tuesday Topics - A Flat Tax in Kansas
Tuesday, March 26, 2024
Advanced Learning Library
711 W 2nd St North
6 pm to 7 pm
In 2023, Governor Kelly took the step of vetoing a proposed tax plan that sought to establish a flat tax rate for residents of Kansas. This pivotal decision has sparked inquiries regarding the possible repercussions of adopting a flat tax system within the state. To thoroughly explore this subject, we have convened a panel of tax professionals and lawmakers who will offer their insights and viewpoints on the issue. We invite you to join us to gain a well-rounded comprehension of the potential impacts associated with implementing a flat tax in Kansas.
This is a collaberative event with the Advanced Learning Library and the League of Women Voters of Wichita-Metro. It is free and open to the public.
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Find out more about what the League of Women Voters of Kansas is doing.
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Our previous issues of our newsletter are here.
Our new phone number is (316) 835-0001 | |