Represent! How we're expanding access to vote in several Kansas counties

The organizing to expand access to voting in Kansas is well underway. Local election officials have the authority to maximize opportunities to protect the right to vote and maximize turnout – but many don’t. While Election Commissioners and County Clerks in each county in our state have the power to change policies to make it easier to vote, many depend on the county commission to provide the resources to implement these policies. That’s why we’re ready to make it clear to county commissioners across the state: it’s time to support election officials who want to remove barriers and improve access for all eligible voters throughout the voting process.

In Shawnee County, we’re calling for expanded early voting. Currently, Shawnee is the only large county in Kansas with only one early vote location. We’re demanding more. Contact the Shawnee County Commission today and express your support for expanding early voting.

In Sedgwick County, we’re calling for mailing advanced ballot applications to every registered voter. The county stopped proactively sending all voters application forms to request an advance mail ballot ahead of upcoming elections in 2022–this led to a significant drop in voting by mail. We’re demanding this be the baseline. Contact the Sedgwick County Commission today and express your support for mailing advanced ballot applications to every registered voter. 

In Johnson County, we’re calling on Election Commissioner Fred Sherman to support implementing a vote from jail program and expanded language access. Contact Commissioner Sherman and express your support for vote from jail and language access.

In Wyandotte County, we’re calling on Election Commissioner Michael Abbott to support expanding early vote opportunities and language access. Contact Commissioner Abbott and express your support for early vote and language access.

Civil Liberties Beehive Leaders across the state are mobilizing their communities, informing strategy, and leading these campaigns for voting rights. Join them by attending our upcoming New Beehive Leader Orientation on Tuesday, September 12 at 6 p.m. on Zoom.