
Several years ago, we released a report on food insecurity in Southeast Kansas, and through that research, we learned that the region has the highest rate of food insecurity in the state. Over the past two months, we have researched further to see what civic engagement and poverty look like in that region and have found that Southeast Kansas also has some of the lowest voter turnout in the state.
Our research confirms a direct relationship between voter turnout and community health outcomes. The foundation of a healthy democracy rests upon the ability of all eligible Kansans to vote without obstruction.
Hunger is not just a consequence of economic hardship; it is a policy decision with far-reaching effects on civic engagement. In recent years, we have witnessed an alarming rise in voter suppression laws and anti-hunger policy that disproportionately impact vulnerable communities. These same communities are also grappling with daily economic barriers that hinder their ability to exercise their political power.
Read our report here.
Our research confirms a direct relationship between voter turnout and community health outcomes. The foundation of a healthy democracy rests upon the ability of all eligible Kansans to vote without obstruction.
Hunger is not just a consequence of economic hardship; it is a policy decision with far-reaching effects on civic engagement. In recent years, we have witnessed an alarming rise in voter suppression laws and anti-hunger policy that disproportionately impact vulnerable communities. These same communities are also grappling with daily economic barriers that hinder their ability to exercise their political power.
Read our report here.

Kansans, working together, can build a state full of thriving, inclusive, and just communities. Local office holders - including city and county council members, school boards, and mayors have a critical role to play in realizing this vision.
We're working to engage more Kansans and activate them to become advocates within their communities. We're connecting with partners, hosting community meetings throughout Southeast Kansas, and organizing around issues such as food and housing insecurity, transportation, and incarceration.
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Report: Impacts of Voter Suppression in Kansas
Voter suppression hurts our communities and undercuts the health of our shared democracy. This report analyzes just how harmful restricted voting access is for us and our communities. To understand the state of voter suppression, Kansas Appleseed focused on data and community insights from across Kansas. This methodology weaves Kansans' lived experiences with legislative analysis, voter data, and health outcome information to build a full account of how dangerous elections policy impacts voter participation and community health. Our analysis confirmed a direct relationship between voter turnout and community health outcomes.
Download the report to learn more.
Voter suppression hurts our communities and undercuts the health of our shared democracy. This report analyzes just how harmful restricted voting access is for us and our communities. To understand the state of voter suppression, Kansas Appleseed focused on data and community insights from across Kansas. This methodology weaves Kansans' lived experiences with legislative analysis, voter data, and health outcome information to build a full account of how dangerous elections policy impacts voter participation and community health. Our analysis confirmed a direct relationship between voter turnout and community health outcomes.
Download the report to learn more.

Integrated Voter Engagement in Southeast and Southwest Kansas
Southeast and Southwest Kansas communities know their unique strengths and perspectives are integral to what makes Kansas the state it is. Despite this, communities in these regions experience some of the worst statistical indicators for health outcomes in the state, including some of the lowest levels of civic engagement and voter turnout. To address these issues, Kansas Appleseed launched our integrated voter engagement (IVE) campaigns in these regions of the state. Our work began in Southeast Kansas in 2017 and in Southwest Kansas in 2019.
Click here to check out our IVE report to see what worked and what we've learned along the way!
Southeast and Southwest Kansas communities know their unique strengths and perspectives are integral to what makes Kansas the state it is. Despite this, communities in these regions experience some of the worst statistical indicators for health outcomes in the state, including some of the lowest levels of civic engagement and voter turnout. To address these issues, Kansas Appleseed launched our integrated voter engagement (IVE) campaigns in these regions of the state. Our work began in Southeast Kansas in 2017 and in Southwest Kansas in 2019.
Click here to check out our IVE report to see what worked and what we've learned along the way!
Kansas Appleseed is not an election official or hold itself out as such