President’s Perspective
May 2024
With the recently held annual meeting, the Board reviewed highlights of its year promoting voter education, civic engagement and advocacy. Although not a conclusive outline of the many activities undertaken during the 2023-2024 year, the below focuses on the LWVTSC commitment to empower voters and defend democracy.
Voter Services:
- Throughout the year, numerous voter education presentations were provided for 10 area high schools, two technical schools and Washburn University – interacting with more than 1800 students. Over 27 League volunteers gave their time to engage with students providing non-partisan information regarding voting rights.
- Twenty-six League volunteers engaged with the general public at community events such as Juneteenth, Fiesta and the Food Truck Festival.
- A postcard mailing was initiated whereby 700 newly registered voters were encouraged to vote in the August primary election and November general election. Fourteen LWVTSC members led this effort.
Advocacy:
- As one of the 10 largest counties in Kansas, Shawnee County is the sole county with only one early voting location (the County Election Office). The LWVTSC took an early lead promoting this need for an additional early voting location. Numerous community organizations have joined this effort as increased voter turnout is a benefit to our community! These efforts are continuing.
- LWVTSC Day at the Statehouse. The 2024 legislative session had a myriad of issues – voting rights, election administration, Medicaid Expansion, and funding for K-12, post-secondary and higher education. Membership learned of the issues-to-date, observed the House and Senate in session, and met with each of the eight House members and the three state Senators who represent Shawnee County.
- A new study has been undertaken regarding environmental/climate change. This two-year study began in April 2023. Once the study is completed it will be shared with local and state leaders as neither our community nor state have developed a long-term plan regarding the issue.
Community Events:
- In 2023 elections were held for city and county local office. This included city council, school boards, townships and etc.
- In mid-October the LWVTSC in collaboration with the Topeka Shawnee County Public Library and numerous community organizations hosted a “Meet and Greet” whereby individuals met and discussed issues with city council candidates. Each of the city council members seeking election was in attendance.
- With the lead of the Topeka Voters Collaborative, the LWVTSC assisted with the “Meet and Greet” events held for Auburn-Washburn school board candidates and Topeka/USD 501 school board candidates.
- The LWVTSC maintains its active role with the Topeka Voters Collaborative to advance voter education, civic engagement and voter turnout. This effort has brought more young adults to community civic engagement events.
- Tuesday Topics is a mainstay for our local League. Informative speakers address current topics, community history, election trends and etc. Through social media, the public is welcomed to these presentations. Oftentimes, new members join as a result.
We continue to build upon those efforts made years previously by this local League and its membership.
It is through the commitment of member volunteers, who give their time and talent on behalf of the LWVTSC and the Shawnee County communities, that we empower voters and defend democracy!
