The Voter Newsletters - League of Women Voters of Johnson County

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Date: 10/29/2020
Subject: LWVJoCo Update: Patience will be required
From: LWV of Johnson County

Hi ~~first_name~~:

With the election just around the corner, we wanted to share some information about voter turnout, voter intimidation and ballot box locations for Wyandotte voters. You can also learn about the challenge of disappearing debates, what you can do about the new Evergy solar panel fee proposal and more. Keep reading, and remember — be patient next week!

This election will require patience

Our U.S. democratic transfer of governmental power depends on full, accurate voting counts. In 2020, do not expect fast Election Night results. With COVID-19, millions more voters will vote by absentee or mail-in ballot this year. In Johnson County alone, over 160,000 mail-in ballots have been sent out and more than 90,000 of those returned, compared to roughly 53,000 mail-in ballots sent out in 2016.

It will take days or weeks to tally mail-in ballots and paper provisional ballots. It is possible some results will be challenged, perhaps ending up in court. Be patient, and encourage your friends and family to do the same. The system only works when it takes the time needed to count every vote.

Read the LWV US blog on this topic here, and review their short video here.

Johnson County voters increase by 12%

Johnson County gained roughly 47,500 voters in 2020, a 12% growth over 2016. This is explained in part by a growing population, but not entirely. Voter registrations have increased nationwide, reflecting more enthusiasm and voter expansion. (As mentioned above, increased turnout and more mail-in ballots may mean delayed results.)

Read the full article in the Shawnee Mission Post here.

On voter intimidation

Voter intimidation is any activity that is reasonably calculated to instill fear and compel a prospective voter to vote against her or his preferences or to not vote at all. Voter intimidation is a federal crime.

If you see or experience voter intimidation:

Call 911 if you fear imminent violence.
Notify your local election official at the polling place.
Document what happened (who, what, where, when and if any voters were deterred).
Call Election Protection at 866-OUR-VOTE

Candidates are putting democracy at risk

Forums, debates and interviews offer voters a more in-depth view into candidate positions on key issues. Unfortunately, many candidates are turning down those opportunities. The LWVJoCo issued the following statement: "Candidates who refuse to answer public policy questions, whether in the online Vote411.org guide or in a virtual forum, insult those seeking answers."

Stay engaged

Haven't received your ballot?

If you requested a mail-in ballot and have not yet received it, call the Johnson County Election Office at (913) 715-6800 to request a replacement or vote in-person at one of the county's 10 early in-person voting locations.

Attention WyCo voters!

You now have more ballot drop boxes available for your convenience. New locations include the Bonner Springs City Library (201 N. Nettleton Ave., Bonner Springs); Edwardsville City Hall (690 S. 4th St., Edwardsville); Kansas City, Kansas, City Hall (701 N. 7th); and the West Wyandotte Library (1737 N. 82nd St., Kansas City, Kansas).

6 facts about voting in 60 seconds

Election Day is almost here! Check out this video from the LWV of the US for 6 quick facts about voting.

Join us for a climate discussion

In our November meeting, Kyle Palmer, Shawnee Mission Post's new editor, will moderate a conversation about how local leaders are working to implement equitable, long-lasting solutions to the climate crisis. This event is free and open to the public, but advance registration is required.

Saturday, Nov. 7, 9 - 10:30 a.m.

Protect solar rights

Evergy is proposing a grid access fee for for residential solar customers. The Kansas Corporation Commission needs to hear from everyone who opposes discriminatory charges on solar customers. You can make your voice heard in two ways.

Give public testimony at the KCC's public hearing on November 5
Submit a public comment to KCC

Visit this page for more information on both options.

Questions or concerns?

Contact Us

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