Kansans have a long history of standing up for justice, regardless of political affiliation. That spirit was evident as we traveled across the state in the months leading up to the August primary election, meeting with Kansans in nearly 40 communities to talk about the proposed constitutional amendment to our state Supreme Court.
Through community panels with experts, presentations, face-to-face conversations with neighbors, and the distribution of thousands of evidence-based educational materials, our goal was simple: We wanted to make sure Kansans had the information they needed to make an informed decision at the ballot box.
What we heard was clear. Kansans were paying attention and preferred protecting the merit-based selection process that they previously voted to create in response to political corruption in 1958.
People asked serious questions about the amendment, its implications, and the process that brought it before voters. Many of the questions centered on the confusion voters experienced in trying to understand what the amendment would actually change. For many, the process felt distant from the communities that would ultimately be asked to vote on it, and it reinforced how important accessible, civic education is, especially when voters are asked to make changes to the state constitution that would likely remain for generations.
That disconnect matters. Our mission was to defend our current process and ensure voters had the information and civic confidence to participate in our democracy. Whether someone supported the amendment, opposed it, or was still deciding, every Kansan deserved access to clear information and a chance to have their voice heard about the potential consequences of this ballot amendment.
Constitutional amendments are the most significant decisions voters are asked to weigh in on. They shape the rights, responsibilities, and governing structures of our state’s future. Kansans deserve the opportunity to understand those proposals clearly, ask questions, and participate meaningfully in the process that leads to the ballot. When a plan for a constitutional ballot amendment does not originate in their own communities, many Kansans rightfully receive it with skepticism and confusion.
The hope of our movement for a stronger democracy is to educate people en masse so that their power and values are reflected in our government. Outreach to communities before Election Day is paramount, so voters have time to consider the issues, talk with their neighbors, ask questions, and make their own decisions. This civic education goal becomes incredibly difficult when constitutional questions are placed on primary elections, especially for our large swathe of unaffiliated voters who are not used to turning out to vote at that time, and for many other Kansans who primarily vote in general elections. Our statewide travel reaffirmed that the work of civic education and community engagement matters if we want Kansas voters to be the most powerful decision makers in the Sunflower State.
We saw Kansans eager to learn and people willing to ask difficult questions. We saw communities come together to discuss an issue that could have easily been reduced to a confusing ballot question. Across the state, people took to public forums like social media and local newspapers to engage in rigorous civic debates about the merits behind the existing system. Most importantly, we saw people exercising their power as voters.
That is what civic engagement looks like.
Kansas Appleseed is energized by every Kansan who took action to educate, engage, and empower their fellow Kansans to participate in the August primary election. We are grateful to the community leaders, panelists, volunteers, partners, and neighbors who opened their doors, shared their perspectives, and helped create spaces for honest conversation.
The work does not end when an election is over. Democracy requires ongoing participation, continued accessible information, and communities where people feel empowered to make their voices heard. Our time across the state reminded us that Kansas also has a strong tradition of people coming together, asking questions, and believing deeply that justice and fairness matter.
We are proud to have invested our time, energy, and resources alongside our fellow Kansans to protect our shared values.
