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Date: 9/27/2022
Subject: The VOTER Newsletter - October 2022
From: LWV of Johnson County




All the Extra on Your Ballot

Join us for a panel discussion informing our community about the two constitutional amendments and judge retention on our November election ballot.

In addition to the candidates on the Nov. 8 ballot, there are two additional constitutional questions and votes on retaining Supreme Court Justices:

HCR 5022 would require that Kansas counties elect sheriffs.

HCR 5014 provides for legislative oversight of rules and regulations adopted by executive branch agencies and officials. This would allow a majority vote of the members of each house to revoke any such rules and regulations

 ⚖️ Also on the Nov. 8 ballot will be retention of our Supreme Court Justices that were selected by our long-standing, merit-based system, a selection system that has avoided any hint of corruption since its inception in the 1950s.

Panelists:                       

Dr. Micah Kubic returned as the executive director ACLU of Kansas in January 2022, having served in the same capacity from 2015 to 2018. From 2019 to 2022, Micah served as the executive director of ACLU Florida, one of the nation's largest ACLU affiliates. He has more than 20 years experience in civil rights and racial justice work. In 2016, Micah's first book, "Freedom, Inc. and Black Political Empowerment," was published by the University of Missouri Press.       

Judge Patrick McAnany retired from the Kansas Court of Appeals in January 2019 culminating a 15-year career serving with the Court of Appeals. Prior to his appointment, he served on the Johnson County District Court beginning in 1995. He had a 20-year career in civil and business litigation. Currently, Judge McAnany chairs the Judicial Ethics Advisory Panel, an appointment from the Kansas Supreme Court. 

 In 2016, Amii Castle joined the faculty at KU, where she teaches at the law and business schools. Amii also teaches Constitutional Law through KU’s political science department. Before teaching, Amii practiced law in downtown Kansas City for two decades. Amii has been an ACLU of Kansas board member for five years.                                                                                                                               

Moderator:              

Kansas native and award-winning journalist Sherman Smith joins us from the Kansas Reflector. He's written thought-provoking articles on the Kansas Legislature as well as government misconduct, the failures of the Kansas foster care system, education, and many other topics. He received the 2021 and 2022 Kansas Press Association journalist of the year award. A panelist to our 2021 Legislative recap, Sherman is our moderator this morning.

 

Souls to the Polls: Get Out The Vote Car Caravan

Saturday, October 29, 2022 | 9:30 - 11:00 a.m.
 Kansas City Kansas Community College | 7250 State Ave. | Kansas City, KS  66112
Each car is asked to bring a handmade sign with a message, such as:
  • Your Voice, Your Vote
  • Raise your voice! Vote!
  • Stand up, Vote!
  • Make a difference—Vote!
  • Your voice counts! Vote!
Register Here (recommended)
 
Parking: Please park in the parking lot surrounded by Campus Blvd, Quindaro Lane, Argentine Lane, and Armourdale Lane, to the west of the Jewell Student Center.

 
Bridging the Gap: A Dialogue on Social Equality
Join the conversation with local LGBTQ+ leaders and activists as we discuss ways to be a better ally and break through societal norms.

Panelists:

Inoru Morris is the founder of the Midwest Rainbow Research Institute, a nonprofit working in the Midwest to make public institutions more inclusive to LGBTQIA populations and a PhD student at KU's School of Public Affairs and Administration researching the policies, practices, and programs law enforcement utilize in cases of rape, sexual assault, and violent hate crimes. He currently sits on the Johnson County Public Health Leadership Council and is a Trauma Support Specialist for First Responders with Mid-America Regional Council.

Taryn Jones is a licensed social worker at Jewish Family Services as a volunteer manager. She is a community activist and serves on the Board of Directors for Equality KS and Midwest Rainbow Institute. Taryn was the first openly LGBTQ candidate to run for Overland Park City Council.

Heather Rubesch is a long-time manager in computer software solutions. She is a community activist having served as an advisor for Q-Space. Heather has served on the Board of Johnson County Parks and Recreation Commission and currently serves as chair. She led the movement to include gender identity and gender expression in policies on non-discrimination and DEI. She is the mother of an out transgender adult.



Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things.

- Martin Luther King, Jr.

Dear League Members,

The LWVJoCo board has voted not to be silent. We recommend a NO Vote on the two proposed constitutional amendments that are on the November 8 ballot.  

We believe that the Legislative Veto Amendment HCR 5014, if passed, would shift the current balance of power of the Kansas government by allowing the Legislature to revoke or suspend any rule or regulation adopted by the Executive branch agencies. 

The LWVUS strongly believes that all powers of the U.S. Government should be exercised within the constitutional framework of a balance among the three branches of government: Legislative, Executive, and Judicial. The LWVJoCo supports that for Kansas, as well.

If amendment HCR 5014 passes, the Legislature, by a simple majority vote in each house, could interfere with balance between the Executive and Legislative branches.  Therefore, we suggest a NO Vote. 

The second proposed amendment, HCR 5022 a/k/a “the sheriff amendment” would require county sheriffs to be elected. The Sheriff of Johnson County is currently an elected position and the current election requirement has been in place for 50 years without incident.

If passed, the proposed amendment would shift from local district attorneys to the attorney general at the state level the responsibility to handle any legal issues with a sheriff. The board opposes that shift and recommends a NO Vote.

The League’s purpose is to empower voters and defend democracy. We do not endorse or oppose candidates or political parties, but we do stand behind issues deemed by the League to be integral to our mission. Changing the constitution is a matter to be taken very seriously, yet we’ve been asked to do just that three times this year! 

In August, we witnessed what informed and passionate voters could accomplish when residents voted in record numbers. Our work is not complete! Invite your family and friends to participate in our Oct. 1 program called "All the Extra on Your Ballot" to learn more about proposed amendments and the important role of the judiciary. You can register here. Utilize Voter to Voter to remind your networks of the importance of their vote. Together, we can defend the democracy we hold dear.

Janet

Janet Milkovich

Have You Geared Up For Election Season??
Ann Norbury has you covered! She will have election merchandise at LWVJoCo events, or contact her to make arrangements to pick up your purchases.(She's willing to meet at any JoCo library parking lot.)

Inspire voter engagement with:

  • Car Magnets - $5
  • Yard Signs - $10 each
  • VOTE Pins - $20
  • T-shirts - $15

DEI Moment - National Hispanic Heritage Month

National Hispanic Heritage Month started on Thursday, September 15 and will conclude on Saturday, October 15. What started as Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968 was extended to a month-long celebration of the many contributions of the American Latino community in 1988. Several Latin American countries also celebrate independence days during the month, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua.  

The theme for this year’s Hispanic Heritage Month is “Building Prosperous and Healthy Communities.” Each week focuses on a different aspect of healthy communities including the economy, climate, education, and mental health and wellness. One Kansas City organization addressing Latinx education is the Latinx Education Collaborative whose mission is to “retain and increase the representation of Latinx education professionals in K-12.”  For more information about this organization, visit: https://latinxedco.org/ 

There are several ways to learn about and celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month locally and online. On Wednesday, October 12, 6-8 p.m. the Johnson County Arts and Heritage Center will host an evening celebrating Kansas City’s rich Latino history. This is a free event and no registration is required.  For more information visit: https://www.jcprd.com/1566/Hispanic-Heritage-Month-Celebration. And if you prefer to celebrate in the comfort of your own home, the Kansas City, Kansas Library has created an online timeline highlighting the struggles and triumphs of Hispanic-Latino Americans throughout history beginning with the Mexican American War in 1846. To view the timeline, visit: https://www.kckpl.org/events/hispanic-heritage.html. The Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino also has several virtual exhibits covering topics from Latino voting rights to art. To explore and learn, visit: https://latino.si.edu/learn/teaching-and-learning-resources/hispanic-heritage-month-resources

For additional resources on National Hispanic Heritage Month visit: U.S. Department of Education, White House Initiative on Advancing Educational, Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Hispanics at https://sites.ed.gov/hispanic-initiative/national-hispanic-heritage-month/.



LWVJoCo Leadership 2023
Nominations Now Being Accepted

The League of Women Voters of Johnson County is the largest League in Kansas. Our 300+ members work every day to promote citizen political responsibility, defend democracy and educate and empower voters. 

The organization is governed by an 8-member Board of Directors who serve as the administrative and policy making team for LWVJoCo. As such they are responsible for planning and decision-making in three interdependent areas: Organization and Management, Voter Service/Citizen Involvement and Programming. 

The Nominating Committee IS INVITING YOU TO SUBMIT NOMINEES to serve on the 2023 board of directors. Nominations are now being accepted for the following positions. 

  • President
  • Vice President
  • Secretary
  • Treasurer
  • Membership Committee Chair
  • Communications Committee Chair
  • Voter Registration Committee Chair
  • Voter Information Committee Chair

See LWVJoCo Bylaws for job descriptions. All positions except Secretary may be shared.

If you want meaningful, challenging, productive volunteer service, a League leadership position may be what you are looking for. Our League is known for a high level of engagement helping members grow leadership skills, visibility, and influence. Please submit the names of individuals who you think could help provide the leadership to take us into our voter registration, membership, information and advocacy efforts for 2022-2024.

For Information contact Mary Lou Jaramillo, Nominations Committee Chair.  


Erin Cangelose

Wendy Kor

Patricia Neubauer



Observer Corps Reports

Catch up on the actions, decisions and proposals of our local public officials. 

 
What a difference a few years can make. Before 2016, most of us who follow politics were most concerned about what was happening in Washington, D.C. Now, with public health and diversity issues at the forefront of local politics, it's even more important to be watching our local school boards, county commission, and city councils. That's what our League Observers do, and we need more of you on the job! It's a great way to stay informed on the issues you care about. Contact Eileen Marshallto find out where you might plug in, and read our latest reports.
 

Board and Committee Briefs

Check Your Registration Status!

Check your registration status at ksvotes.org. You can also register to vote or update your registration at the same website. In addition, request a mail-in ballot at ksvotes.org! You can request a ballot for the primary and general elections from their main page.

Mark Your Calendar

Oct. 18: Voter Registration Deadline for Nov. 8 election

Oct. 19: Advance Voting by Mail begins

Nov. 1: Deadline for Advance Mail Ballot application

Nov. 8: General Election

Mainstream GOTV Gala Wednesday, October 19, 2022 

Mainstream Coalition is one of the League’s most valued partners! We would like to have a League table of 10 at their October 19 Gala. For over 20 years Mainstream Coalition has been bringing together civically engaged Kansans – from elected and appointed officials to engaged advocates – to promote nonpartisan voter engagement. Their annual fundraising dinner is the place to celebrate the power of Kansas voters and draw inspiration from community leaders. To buy tickets go to: www.thevoternetwork.org/gala.  Ask to join the League table. 


NAACP Candidate Forum Saturday, October 8.

The LWVJoCo is a supporter of this event. Janet Milkovich is moderating. You are invited to meet candidates and support our partners at the NAACP.

 

Be Ready to Vote Livestream Program on Monday, Oct. 17 at 6:30 p.m.

LWVJoCo, Mainstream Coalition and the Church of the Resurrection (COR) are hosting a one-hour virtual conversation about the November 8 election. The League’s Tanya Honderick will moderate, and Janet Milkovich will be a panelist.

Save the Date for Our Holiday Social

Sunday, Dec. 4, 3:00-5:00 p.m. Thompson Barn in Lenexa, 11184 Lackman Road. More details coming soon.

📰 Stay current: Read about latest work of Leagues throughout the state in the latest issue of LWVK’s VOTER Notes newsletter.


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