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Date: 12/20/2022
Subject: LWVJoCo Update: 2023 is almost here
From: LWV of Johnson County



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Hello ~~first_name~~:

In this issue:
🎉 Happy holidays!
🙏🏼 2023 is almost here - help us plan out the year!
🎁 A gift idea
🗳 People with disabilities and voting
And more!


Happy Holidays 2022 V2

2023 Planning Meeting - Eblast

Help us chart our course!

At our first meeting in 2023, we will celebrate some of the highlights of a very busy and successful 2022. We will also spend time in small groups in which leaders will facilitate discussions about key elements of our five-year strategic plan and how members can play a part.
 
We need your input to make LWVJoCo even stronger!
 
Saturday, January 7 | 9:30 - 11:00 a.m.
Johnson County - Central Resource Library
9875 W 87th Street, Overland Park
 
 
P.s. Due to unforeseen circumstances, we will not be able to offer refreshments at this event. Thanks for your understanding.

Last minute gift idea

If you're still looking for gifts for the holidays, how about a membership to LWVJoCo? Nothing says "I care" like an opportunity to help power the democracy of our country! And don't forget - our League has free memberships for students as well as membership scholarships! 

lwvjoco.org 

Earlier this month, we celebrated International Day for People with Disabilities. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) provides protections to people with disabilities, including a requirement that state and local governments make voting accessible. Kansas has codified accessibility standards in the Help America Vote Act (HAVA). 

 
Despite these protections, many individuals with disabilities continue to experience barriers to voting, and these have increased as many states restrict mail-in voting. 

Learn more with these resources:
  • This page from the US Department of Justice
  • The KS Secretary of State's page on Voter Information
  • This look at recent voting restrictions
 

Stay engaged and informed

  
👧🏻 Voter Girl - volunteers needed!
The League is once again partnering with the Girl Scouts of NE Kansas and NW Missouri and other organizations to host a Voter Girl event, which helps Girl Scouts learn about voting and earn their democracy badges. Girls Scouts and Troops can register here. If you're interested in volunteering, please contact voterinformation@lwvjoco.org.
 
⚖️ The potential impact of Moore vs Harper
  In contrast to the situation in Kansas, the North Caroline Supreme Court ruled that partisan gerrymandering violates the North Carolina constitution and required that new maps be drawn. NC lawmakers have appealed the ruling to the U.S. Supreme Court under the "independent state legislature theory" (ISLT), which argues that state legislatures have unconditional power to legislate on election issues. As this informative blog by the national League notes, if the U.S. Supreme Court accepts this theory, "state legislatures could have unchecked power to control elections in the state." A decision is not expected for a while, but the League is closely watching the case. 
 
👩🏻‍⚖️ ACLU appeals to the U.S. Supreme Court
On a related note, the ACLU of Kansas has filed an appeal with the U.S. Supreme Court regarding the recent KS redistricting maps with the argument those maps reflect intentional race discrimination. The State has until the end of December to reply before the top court will consider taking the case. Read the full article from NPR.
 
🗣 Communication tips
Spending time with family over the holidays can sometimes lead to stressful conversations. You may support League positions that others around you do not. Get some communication tips from Celeste Headlee before that next family gathering here.
 
💡 Location ideas requested
The League is thankful to Atonement Church for hosting League meetings over the years. Recent technical difficulties have us looking for a new space as we restart in-person meetings. If you have any ideas, please send them to Connie Taylor at taylorconniem@gmail.com. 
 
Once again - we wish everyone a happy holiday season and a wonderful new year!


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