The first in a series of assaults on voting rights

By the slimmest margin possible, Kansas voters lost their rights to a 3-day grace period on mailed ballots postmarked by Election Day. Five BV-area legislators are among those who previously voted to take away the grace period, and then voted today to override Gov. Laura Kelly’s veto of the bill. This is just the first in a series of predicted assaults on voting rights since a MAGA supermajority claimed KsLeg in 2024. 

Even more alarming: KS House Election Committee Chair, Leavenworth-area Rep. Pat Proctor, was recorded in a meeting earlier this year saying he wants to restrict voting to Election Day ONLY. NO mail ballots. NO early voting. Read more here; video link in story: https://johnsoncountypost.com/2025/03/24/capitol-update-rep-mari-lynn-poskin-urges-action-against-bill-eliminating-grace-period-for-mail-in-ballots-255802 

Also here: https://sunflowerstatejournal.com/senate-votes-to-override-kellys-veto-of-bill-ending-three-day-grace-period

This is exactly what we mean when we say candidates claim they’re moderate when they campaign - but vote differently when they’re elected. Did any of these five BV-area legislators campaign on restricting voting rights? Not that we’re aware of. But once elected, they fell in line with the election-denying, MAGA wing of their party to do just that.

Many Blue Valley voters are “represented” by either Kellie Warren or TJ Rose in the KS Senate - BOTH of whom voted to eliminate the mail ballot grace period. A large percentage of BV is “represented” by either Chris Croft, Sean Tarwater, or Carl Turner in the KS House. Does this vote represent you? If not, email them now. Next session WILL see more voting restrictions unless they hear from voters about this vote to take away rights that have already been established. 

Thanks to the BV-area legislators who voted to retain the 3-day grace period for mailed ballots: State Sen. Cindy Holscher and Reps. Linda Featherston, Mari-Lynn Poskin, Heather Meyer, Dan Osman, and Nikki McDonald.

Please consider sharing our post on this important topic, in addition to contacting your BV-area legislators.Find your State Senator and KS House Rep here: https://ksleglookup.org