Women for Kansas, enewsletter, February, 14, 2022

 

the kind of seemingly difficult, uncharted terrain that could — if we let it—breed discouragement.  Yet for undeterred voters, the map is reliable. We can win when we 1) support candidates with our time, energy, and money, and 2) vote in the August 2, 2022 primary. Political experts have been saying for years that the primary is the only election that matters. If the candidate who wins the primary is a member of the dominant party, he or she will win the November election. So if you’re unhappy with a Capitol full of lawmakers who don’t represent you, it’s because they won their primaries.  Why W4K is focused on the August 2 Primary Registered voters, hoping to advance their party’s candidates to the general election, will, as in past elections, cast their votes in the primary. BUT in 2022, we will also be voting in a second election, what the originating, GOP State House leaders call a “Special Election.” It was intentionally included in a low-turnout election, known to draw out specific voters and exclude others.  The purpose of this election is to vote on a constitutional amendment that would revoke Kansas’ constitutional protection to ban abortion without exception. If the amendment passes, Republicans in the legislature have indicated they will seek to ban abortion with NO exceptions for rape, incest, or maternal death risk. Under Kansas’ current constitution, the right to an abortion remains protected even if Roe v. Wade is overturned. This Special Election has a special advantage for Independent/undeclared voters: on August 2, you may cast your vote—for or against the abortion amendment--without declaring a party. If, however, you also want to vote in the primary—perhaps change our Statehouse representation--you can, on the spot, declare yourself an R or D and vote!!  While it may seem early to be talking about the August primary, the addition of the “special” election makes it the most critical political event for Kansas in 2022. In the meantime (Covid willing), with your support, Women for Kansas will continue to lead the way through voter and community education, support materials, speaker forums, Chapter development, advocacy activities, emails, weekly e-newsletter, and many other projects. Our work, supported 100% by individual, private donations, gives you 2 options: Women for Kansas A 501 (c)(4) nonprofit, W4K is our primary and membership organization, providing support for our staff and advocacy activities. It is the most flexible funding source and the best choice for donors. Donations are not tax deductible but are the most helpful way to support our advocacy work. Women for Kansas Education Foundation A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, the Education Foundation engages in non-partisan, non-political educational activities on behalf of our shared values. Donations to the Women for Kansas Education Foundation are tax deductible.  Whether you are an active Woman for Kansas, or cheering us on from the sidelines, your support as a dues-paying member confirms that our work is important to you and your family. Mail your check to: Women for Kansas (or) Women for Kansas-EF P.O. Box 8774, Wichita, Kansas 67208 or submit your payment online at womenforkansas.org/membership and charge to the credit card of your choice. We thank you for your continued faith in our missions and your support. THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT!