The world is watching Kansas.
This is not hyperbole. On Aug. 2, Kansans will decide if yes, politicians can make a woman’s health care decisions, or no, women should be allowed to make their own choices, independent of state government.
The constitutional referendum on abortion and women’s health is the first in the nation since the U.S. Supreme Court’s troubling decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. The stakes are enormous.
A yes vote on the Kansas amendment would allow lawmakers to restrict abortion more severely or ban it outright in the state — something they are likely to do, and quickly.
But Kansans cannot take part in that decision if they are not eligible to vote, or do not turn out to vote on Aug. 2 or earlier by mail or ballot. We urge everyone, in the strongest possible terms, to make sure you are registered, and have a concrete plan to cast a ballot.
The first step is to make sure your registration is current and valid. There are several ways to review your voter status, including most local election offices, but the best and easiest place is at myvoteinfo.voteks.org/VoterView
Checking registration is essential for people who don’t vote often, or who have moved recently. Students 18 and older are also urged to review their registration. …
Online registration is also possible. Do so at kdor.ks.gov/apps/voterreg/
In Kansas, voters are asked to declare a party affiliation at registration, or register as unaffiliated. Party members vote in their respective primary races.
But remember this critical fact: All registered Kansas voters can vote on the abortion amendment. Let’s say that again: All registered Kansas voters can cast a ballot on the abortion question, no matter which party you belong to, or if you belong to no party at all.
Make no mistake: The abortion amendment hangs in the balance, and turnout will likely decide the issue. Supporters of the amendment insisted on an August vote because they wanted a low-turnout election, with motivated Republican voters showing up at the polls and Democrats and independents staying home.
They may have been too clever by half. There are just a few genuinely competitive Republican primaries, especially in national and statewide races. Democrats and independents, on the other hand, energized by the Supreme Court abortion decision, may be motivated to cast ballots.
Registrations are up since the court’s decision. That’s a good sign.
There is simply no reason to skip this vote.
Of course, all votes (and voters) matter. We urge our friends in rural areas to register and vote, in urban areas, in college towns and county seats, in every place and community where people gather and govern themselves. Old, young, in the middle — everyone. It’s that important.
