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Johnson and Wyandotte counties have primary elections coming soon. Read on for election details, important dates, and candidate forums. In addition, we offer information on the lawsuit against recent anti-voting laws and LWVUS's newest initiative for defending democracy.
| Key Voting Dates
Six jurisdictions in Johnson County have upcoming primaries: City of Edgerton; City of Lenexa, Wards 3 and 4; City of Merriam, Ward 2; City of Olathe, City of Overland Park, and the Olathe School District, District 3.
In Wyandotte County, several Unified Government positions and two Board of Public Utilities positions will be on the ballot.
Important dates to note for both counties include:
🗓TODAY, July 13: Last day to register
🗓July 14: Advance voting by mail begins
🗓July 24: Advance voting in person begins
🗓July 27, 5 p.m.: Last day to request a ballot
🗓Aug. 3, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.: Primary election
Johnson County residents can check their voter registration and find voting districts here, and view a sample ballot here. Wyandotte County residents can find more information about their election here. | | | Learn About Your Candidates
Democracy works best when citizens are informed and active. Take time to learn about some of the candidates running this primary election season. All forums are on Zoom.
- TONIGHT, July 13, 4:30 p.m.: Olathe Board of Education
- TONIGHT, July 13, 6:30 p.m.: Olathe City Council
- Wednesday, July 14, 6:00 p.m.: Lenexa, KS City Council
- Thursday, July 15, 4:30 p.m.: Overland Park, KS Mayor
- Thursday, July 15, 6:30 p.m.: Overland Park, KS City Council
- Tuesday, July 20, 4:30 p.m.: Unified Government of WyCo/KCK Board of County Commissioners
- Tuesday, July 20, 6:30 p.m.: Unified Government of WyCo/KCK Mayor/CEO
- Wednesday, July 21, 5:30 p.m.: United Government of WyCo/KCK Sheriff
Forums are sponsored by the LWVJoCo, Mainstream Coalition, Advocacy & Awareness Group of Johnson County, Mid-America LGBT Chamber, ACLU of Kansas, Dotte Votes, and Safe and Welcoming Wyandotte Coalition. Visit LWVJoCo's July calendar for details. | | | | The LWVK, Loud Light, Kansas Appleseed Center for Law and Justice, and the Topeka Independent Living Resource Center filed a lawsuit challenging newly enacted voting laws in Kansas that make it more difficult for Kansans to vote. House Bills 2183 and 2332 violate the Kansas Constitution by interfering with Kansans' voting, due process, and free speech and association rights.
"Kansas saw incredible turnout numbers in the 2020 election, in large part due to the work of trusted nonpartisan organizations to provide voters with accurate, timely election information. HB 2183 and HB 2332 threaten to undermine this progress by criminalizing the vital efforts of civic organizations," said Jacqueline Lightcap, co-president of the LWVK. "These anti-voter bills will have a disproportionate effect on voters with disabilities, voters of color, voters whose first language is not English, and student and elderly voters." | | | Stay Engaged
LWVUS Launches New Initiative to Defend Democracy
Anti-voter laws, gerrymandering, misinformation, and more are threatening our democracy. LWVUS is launching Women Power Democracy to counter these threats. Key components of the program are:
- Democracy Truth Project - countering mis- and disinformation to build more trust in our elections
- Expand the Franchise - increasing voter participation through the Vote411.org platform
- Democracy Defense Fund - protecting voting rights through legal and grassroots action
- People Powered Fair Maps - building electoral districts that fairly represent the people
More on the Lawsuit Against HB 2183 and HB 2332
All Kansas Leagues of Women Voters and Loud Light have suspended in-person voter registration drives. Loud Light has published a short video explaining the temporary halt.
ICYMI: The 153rd Anniversary of the 14th Amendment
On July 9, 1868, the 14th amendment was ratified, granting citizenship and guaranteed "equal protection of the laws" to all persons born or naturalized in the US, including formerly enslaved people. Read more about the 14th Amendment on the History website.
Save the date for our Summer Social
LWVJoCo is excited for our first in-person event this year! Join us on Thursday, Aug. 26 from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. at the Meadowbrook Park Clubhouse for a chance to meet new members, greet ones you already know, and have a good time. Enjoy appetizers from Graze & Gather KC and get a chance to go home with a fun door prize. Guests are welcome. This is a great opportunity to introduce friends and family to the League. Register before Aug. 12.
In-person meetings return in September
We are happy to announce the return of in-person meetings at Atonement Lutheran Church, 9948 Metcalf in Overland Park, starting September 11. Come at 8:30 a.m. for coffee and refreshments. The program, "National Popular Vote: How Should We Elect Our Next President?" starts at 9 a.m.
LWV at the Kansas State Fair
Looking for a fall road trip? Sign up to work the LWV of Kansas Centennial Celebration booth at the Kansas State Fair, Sept 12, 14, 15 and 16 in Hutchinson. Volunteers will receive free admission to the fair with a commitment by Aug. 1. We need two workers for each two-hour shift. Your friends are welcome to help. LWVJoCo is one of two of the nine Leagues in Kansas that don't have any members signed up to volunteer. So consider representing our League while enjoying all that the state fair has to offer! To find out more, contact Gwen Elliott of LWV Topeka at (785) 640-7357 or TheKT1@aol.com.
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