I, too, question why the Kansas Legislature would put something so important as a proposed Constitutional Amendment on the ballot of a Primary Election, when voter turnout is historically lower than in a General Election. I’m told they did this in 1986 and 2022, as well as this year. However, the authority behind their decision stems from Article 1, Section 1 of the Kansas Constitution which states that the legislature can schedule a statewide special election for all electors to vote on an amendment. They chose August to coincide with this year’s primary. No conspiracy theory necessary.
What you may not realize, but should know as a voter, is that even if you do not declare a party affiliation you can vote on Aug. 4 on the Amendment measure only. According to Clay Barker, General Counsel of the Kansas Secretary of State’s Office, you can show up at your polling place if you are a registered voter and ask for the ‘U’ Ballot. On Aug. 4, there will be three types of ballots available: R — GOP candidates & Amendment D — DEM candidates & Amendment U — Just the Amendment New registration to vote must be completed by July 14. This can be done online at the Secretary of State’s website, or in person at your County Clerk’s office before this July deadline.
Changing, or not changing a State Constitution is a huge thing. It is considered a non-partisan issue, but certain people with party affiliations are trying hard to convince you to vote their way. And special interest groups, like Planned Parenthood (sadly supported with our tax dollars) are spending millions to tell us to vote in ways beneficial to their business model.
The men and women in the Kansas Legislature who have proposed this amendment, were elected by the people to represent their interests. That is why the proposal is being made. Deciding how to vote is our personal privilege. Just remember a YES vote gives the power back to the consent of the governed, as our Founding Fathers intended. A NO vote continues to give that privilege to others.
Our natural rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness belong to us because we are endowed with them by our Creator. They are not given to us by the will or decision of man. How we exercise these rights in the public square are determined by our consciences. Ask yourself— who is your ultimate authority? Is it God or is it man? Respectfully, Jan Koepke