Kansans are witnessing growing threats to their political power, as politicians maneuver to consolidate control by undermining our democratic processes. A prime example of this is the push to pass the 1611 Supreme Court ballot initiative, which aims to overturn our democratically approved process for nominating Supreme Court Justices. This initiative seeks to replace the merit-based, transparent selection system with one rooted in partisan influence and infused with dark money. Such changes not only threaten judicial independence but also erode the foundational trust in the idea of equal justice for all.
The dangers of putting politicians’ power over the people’s power extend beyond the judiciary. Modern politics thrives on the influence of money, often overshadowing the voices of everyday citizens with limitless dark money. Our nation’s founders, and every generation since, have fought to protect a government rooted in “We the People”. However, the current landscape resembles a Wild West of campaign finance laws and intense political division, making it far too easy for big money and special interests to dominate the political arena- drowning out grassroots movements and values of everyday Kansans. This imbalance shifts power away from the people and into the hands of those who can afford to wield it.
Another alarming development is the mid-decade legislative redistricting efforts likely to be debated during the upcoming Kansas legislative session. Rather than allowing voters to choose their representatives, these redistricting schemes are concocted by those in power to keep themselves in power. Gerrymandering distorts the democratic process, silencing communities and diminishing the impact of each vote, which is antithetical to the principles of fair and free elections. People power in Kansas organized around the KS Fair Maps coalition this fall to stop redistricting, which was at least temporarily successful. But the redistricting attempts are likely to come back with a vengeance. Regardless of political party, partisan redistricting for political gain erodes our democracy.
Democracy is not a static institution but a living system that depends on its citizens’ actions. It thrives on the energy, commitment, and voices of people who believe in its promise and connect with their neighbors to realize it. Kansas presently faces numerous challenges and our future feels uncertain. We can create hope by protecting our democracy from being carved up by partisan interests and political schemes. The future of our state should be shaped by the collective voices of everyday Kansans, not just the powerful few.
Now is the time for each Kansan to increase their civic engagement. Each of us has a role to play in safeguarding our democracy, which, in turn, secures our collective future. Our team at Kansas Appleseed hosts and promotes civic engagement opportunities – but we need your partnership to make them successful and powerful. Our actions, big and small, when done with as many of our fellow Kansans as possible, can create enough power to overcome the forces that aim to undermine our democracy. Together, we can ensure that Kansas remains a place where democracy flourishes, guided by the voices, hopes, and dreams of its people. Please connect with our Civic Engagement Manager, Logan Stenseng, to learn more about civic engagement opportunities and how to build your and/or your organization’s confidence in taking collective action to protect what we value – together.
