John,
Next week, Republicans in the Kansas legislature will be holding hearings on multiple voter suppression bills. Contact your legislators by Tuesday, February 15th and Thursday, February 17th to let them know why you stand against these bills and the attack on democracy!
This comes after last year's slew of voter suppression laws passed by Kansas Republicans that will disenfranchise Kansans in the upcoming elections. This session, not much has changed. Republicans are continuing to try to pass unnecessary, strict voting laws that make it harder to vote.
Here's what's on the docket for next week:
- SB 394/HB 2585: Requiring the return of advanced ballots by 7 pm on the day of the election
- How it harms: This law would punish Kansans for factors out of their control, such as a delayed USPS system. Previously, if mail in ballots were postmarked by election day, they were tallied, but this bill would change that. Thousands of Kansans use advanced ballots due to work, convenience, disabilities, and more. Eliminating their vote simply because of mail delays disenfranchises Kansans across the state.
- When: SB 394: Hearing on Tuesday, February 15th at 10:30 am in Senate Committee on Federal and State Affairs & HB 2585: Hearing on Tuesday, February 15th at 3:30 pm in House Committee on Elections.
- How it harms: This law would punish Kansans for factors out of their control, such as a delayed USPS system. Previously, if mail in ballots were postmarked by election day, they were tallied, but this bill would change that. Thousands of Kansans use advanced ballots due to work, convenience, disabilities, and more. Eliminating their vote simply because of mail delays disenfranchises Kansans across the state.
- SB 445: Prohibition of drop boxes for advanced ballots
- How it harms: Prohibiting drop boxes especially impacts Kansans with disabilities, families, minorities, and those in rural communities. This bill hurts rural and urban communities alike, and makes it more difficult for voters to submit their ballot — even though we know that drop boxes are safe and secure.
- When: Hearing on Thursday, February 17th at 10:30 am in the Senate Committee on Federal and State Affairs.
- How it harms: Prohibiting drop boxes especially impacts Kansans with disabilities, families, minorities, and those in rural communities. This bill hurts rural and urban communities alike, and makes it more difficult for voters to submit their ballot — even though we know that drop boxes are safe and secure.
Here's what you can do about it:
Contact your legislators to let them know you stand firmly against these voter suppression bills! Here's what you can say:
Dear [insert Representative/Senator name]
I am writing to you today to express my concerns on [bill number]. This bill is completely unnecessary, and makes it harder for Kansans to participate in our democracy. Our elections are safe and secure, so the legislature should be more focused on expanding voting, rather than preventing it. This law especially hurts communities of interest, the elderly, the poor, students, and others. I'm urging you to not support this bill.
Thank you for your time,
[insert your name]
The hearings for these bills are on Tuesday, February 15th and Thursday, February 17th — be sure to contact your legislators in time and make your voice heard!
Onward,
KDP Team
Paid for by the Kansas Democratic Party, Yolanda Taylor, Treasurer
Kansas Democratic Party
501 SE Jefferson St
Suite 30
Topeka, KS 66607
United States
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