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Dear Friends,
With the August 4 Primary Election just weeks away, now is the time to make a plan to vote and ensure you have the information you need before heading to the polls. This week's newsletter highlights your voting rights, important election dates, and several issues that continue to shape conversations across Kansas.
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Know Your Voting Rights and Make a Voting Plan
Every eligible Kansan has the right to vote, and knowing your rights before Election Day can help ensure your voice is heard.
The ACLU of Kansas has created a comprehensive "Know Your Voting Rights" guide that includes information on registering to vote, finding your polling place, viewing your sample ballot, voting by mail, and what to do if you experience problems while voting. The guide also includes important election deadlines and contact information for the nonpartisan Election Protection Hotline, which is available to assist voters who encounter issues at the polls.
Explore the guide:
https://www.aclukansas.org/know-your-rights/know-your-voting-rights/
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Make a Plan to Vote
Before Election Day, take a few minutes to:
- Confirm your voter registration.
- Find your polling location.
- Review your sample ballot.
- Learn about the issues and candidates.
- Encourage a friend or family member to vote with you.
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An informed voter is an empowered voter.
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Four Years After Value Them Both
Four years after Kansans VOTED NO on the "Value Them Both" constitutional amendment, abortion policy has once again become a major issue on the August 4 ballot. Kansas Reflector examines how ongoing legislative action, court decisions, and constitutional questions continue to shape the conversation surrounding reproductive rights in Kansas.
Regardless of where voters stand on the issue, constitutional amendments can have long lasting impacts and why it is important to understand exactly what appears on the ballot before casting your vote.
Read more:
https://kansasreflector.com/2026/07/13/four-years-after-value-them-both-kansas-abortion-rights-are-back-on-the-ballot-aug-4/
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Protecting Kansas Water Resources
Water continues to be one of Kansas's most valuable natural resources. Recent reporting from Hays Post highlights ongoing discussions surrounding water conservation, management, and long term planning as communities across the state work to address declining aquifer levels and increasing demand.
As population growth, agriculture, and economic development continue to compete for limited resources, thoughtful water policy will remain one of Kansas's most important challenges.
Read more:
https://hayspost.com/posts/7217e0a0-2bdc-43b5-bc6a-f035cc0ac0fd
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Early Voting Has Begun
Water continues to be one of Kansas's most valuable natural resources. Recent reporting from Hays Post highlights ongoing discussions surrounding water conservation, management, and long term planning as communities across the state work to address declining aquifer levels and increasing demand.
As population growth, agriculture, and economic development continue to compete for limited resources, thoughtful water policy will remain one of Kansas's most important challenges.
Read more:
https://hayspost.com/posts/7217e0a0-2bdc-43b5-bc6a-f035cc0ac0fd
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Support the work!
Women for Kansas is powered by people who care about this state and the future we are building together. Every conversation, event, and outreach effort depends on grassroots support, and that work is especially critical right now. While one-time gifts make a difference, recurring donations provide the steady, reliable foundation needed to plan ahead, stay engaged in communities, and respond when it matters most. A monthly contribution at any level helps turn momentum into lasting impact and ensures this work continues beyond any single moment.
If you believe in informed voters and strong communities, a recurring gift is one of the most meaningful ways to support Women for Kansas and keep that work moving forward.
Ways to give:
https://womenforkansas.org/ways_to_give/
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Lessons From the Keystone Oil Spill
The operator of the Keystone Pipeline has agreed to pay a $26.9 million federal penalty related to the 2022 oil spill in Washington County, Kansas, one of the largest onshore crude oil spills in recent U.S. history. The settlement follows federal investigations into safety violations and operational failures that contributed to the spill.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining infrastructure, protecting natural resources, and ensuring accountability when environmental accidents occur. As Kansas continues to balance energy production with environmental stewardship, decisions made today will have lasting impacts on future generations.
Read more:
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/keystone-pipeline-systems-operator-agrees-to-pay-26-9m-penalty-over-major-kansas-oil-spill
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The Lawrence/Douglas County chapter of Women for Kansas hosted Douglas County Commission Candidates Thursday evening, July 16 at the public library.
Incumbent Patrick Kelly faced off with fellow Democrat Milton Scott for a position in District 1. Incumbent Gene Dorsey faced Ethan Spurling, also a Democrat, for District 4. There are no Republican opponents in these races, so the primary vote on Aug. 4 will decide the outcome. District 5 incumbent, Erica Anderson, a Democrat faced Kirsten Kuhn, Libertarian. Their race will be decided by the general election vote on Nov. 3. Listen to learn the priorities and perspectives of your county commission candidates.
| | Members of the W4K Barton County Chapter braved the heat on July 18 to pass out palm cards advocating for a NO vote on the supreme court ballot amendment to parade watchers at Ellinwood's After Harvest Festival parade. Around 200 cards were handed out and many good conversations took place, with members explaining how the current merit-based system works for choosing Kansas Supreme Court justices and the negative consequences of changing to partisan elections. | | |
Nonpartisan Tools
If you want reliable, nonpartisan tracking on bills tied to core W4K priorities (taxes and budget, elections, Medicaid expansion, judicial selection, school funding, separation of powers), check out these resources!
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For the most current Kansas updates, the Governor’s press release page is updated frequently. | | |
Governor Kelly “Kansan to Kansan” and Kansas Updates
If you like a straightforward weekly roundup from the Governor’s office, the “Kansan to Kansan” newsletters are archived through the state’s GovDelivery bulletins.
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Kansas Appleseed: Democracy, Courts, and Voting Rights
Kansas Appleseed continues to provide Kansas-focused research and advocacy on judicial independence and the 2026 amendment, including educational resources and toolkits.
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Kansas Rural Center: Rural Issues, Water, Local Food, and Policy Watch
Kansas Rural Center’s Policy Watch tracks Topeka decisions affecting the environment, water conservation and quality, diversified agriculture, rural communities, and local and regional food systems. They also publish weekly session updates and a way to subscribe.
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League of Women Voters of Kansas
The League of Women Voters of Kansas is a nonpartisan, grassroots nonprofit dedicated to empowering everyone to fully participate in our democracy.
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