To the Editor:

Numerous significant changes are coming from the new administration in Washington, D.C., making it easy to overlook the many bills being proposed in our statehouse. This year, the legislators will adjourn in mid-April instead of mid-May. Recent legislation raises concerns about voter suppression and restrictions on health care.

Voter Suppression

Senate Bill (SB) 4 and House Bill (HB) 2017 aim to eliminate the three-day grace period for mail-in ballots. Additionally, SB 6 proposes to ban Ranked Choice Voting (RCV). Proponents of these measures argue that they enhance election integrity, while critics warn that they risk disenfranchising voters and stifling innovative voting methods. Some believe that RCV improves our elections by allowing voters to rank candidates in order of preference, thus promoting centrism and consensus.

Restrictions on Health Care

Proposed restrictions on health care include SB 63 and HB 2071, which would prohibit gender-affirming healthcare for minors experiencing gender dysphoria (a child feels as though they are in the wrong body). Furthermore, SB 174, SB 198, HB 2009, and HB 2010 range from criminalizing all forms of abortion to permitting abortion only to save the mother’s life. In August 2022, Kansas voters decisively voted against amending the state constitution to limit abortions after 22 weeks of pregnancy.

Every Vote Matters

In our democratic government, citizens participate in decision-making either directly or by electing representatives. The state or federal government’s authority comes from the people’s consent, expressed through their votes. In a democracy, every vote should count equally. To advance this principle, the League of Women Voters of Kansas (LWVK) proposes a bill that Kansas join the National Interstate Popular Vote Compact (NIPVC) via HB 2257. This agreement among states ensures that the candidate who wins the most popular votes nationwide becomes president, effectively bypassing the Electoral College.

Voting is both a right and a responsibility. To better understand these issues, search for the bill number on Google. Time is of the essence as these bills will be voted on during the next two to three weeks. Make your voice heard by contacting:

• Sen. ToryMarie Blew (District 33): 785-296-7682, ToryMarie.Blew@senate.ks.gov

• Rep. Sherri Brantley (District 112): 785-296-7363, Sherri.Brantley@house.ks.gov

• Rep. Brett Fairchild (District 113): 785-296-7667, brett.fairchild@house.ks.gov

Janice Walker

Great Bend