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Date: 4/20/2021
Subject: LWVJoCo Update: It's all about those maps
From: LWV of Johnson County



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Hello ~~first_name~~:

This year, redistricting takes center stage, and we have a number of events to keep you informed about the process in Kansas. Read on for the details.


PPFM KS Week of Action
Redistricting occurs every 10 years with the goal of ensuring that districts reflect changes in population. They affect who and what you see on your ballot when you vote. Ideally, the districting (or mapping) process is transparent and fair, but sometimes maps fall prey to efforts to manipulate boundaries to protect or change political power. In an article on April 5, Axios listed Kansas as one of the 27 states at "extreme risk" of gerrymandering.
 
LWVJoCo, LWVK and other Leagues across Kansas have organized a series of events to provide more information about redistricting and resources to take action. Events include:
  • 4/24, 9:30-1:30: A kickoff of the People Powered Fair Maps/#KansansDeserveFairMaps Week of Action at the annual state convention
  • 4/25, any time: Watch the recording of LWVJoCo's February program, "Gerrymandering and Fair Representation: What Kansans Need to Know"
  • 4/26, 6:30 p.m.: Watch a short documentary hosted by LWV Wichita-Metro on their YouTube page
  • 4/27, all day: #KansansDeserveFairMaps Advocacy Day - contact your legislators about fair maps. Resources will be provided in advance.
  • 4/29, 9 a.m.: LWV Day of Action National Kickoff Pep Rally. Watch it here.
  • 4/29, 6-7:30 p.m.: #KansansDeserveFairMaps panel discussion. Register here.
Find more details about each day's events at lwvjoco.org.
 
The MainStream Coalition is also hosting "Redrawing Democracy: Redistricting & Equitable Representation," for its members on 4/21. The discussion features LWVJoCo's redistricting lead, Connie Taylor, along with Senator David Haley (District 4), Cole Fine (Fair Maps Fund) and Professor Dagney Velazquez (KCK Community College). Learn more here.

Save the Date

Criminal Justice Reform: Alternatives to Incarcerating Our Youth
In 2019, the Johnson County District Attorney's office filed 1,504 cases against juvenile offenders. Once incarcerated, children are at risk of abuse and inadequate education, often leading to future arrests. Attend this panel discussion to learn about alternatives to the incarceration of youth and how to hold youth accountable while providing opportunities for redemption and success.
May 1 | 9-10 a.m.
Letter to the Editor!
Letters to the editor can help influence public opinion and be a catalyst to change public policy. Join WLVJoCo and Derek Donovan, community engagement editor of the Kansas City Star to learn how to effectively express your view on a current issue of importance to you.
May 6 | 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
This is a LWVJoCo member event. If you are not a member, you can join here.
Voting Matters: A Conversation with Election Commissioners
Join us for an engaging conversation with the election commissioners of two of the largest counties in Kansas: Fred Sherman of Johnson County and Michael Abbot of Wyandotte County. Both were appointed to their positions in 2021. We will discuss how they plan to serve voters in 2021 and beyond.
June 5 | 9-10:30 a.m.

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