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Date: 8/20/2020
Subject: LWVJoCo Update: Celebrating 100 years
From: LWV of Johnson County



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Hi ~~first_name~~:

Happy 19th Amendment Centennial! We have come a long way since 1920, but there is still work to do. So, take a moment of gratitude for the work done by those before us, and then dig in to help prepare for the next election.


celebrating-19th-centennial
This week marks the centennial of the 19th Amendment, which was ratified on August 18, 1920. The Amendment was signed into law on August 26, 1920, which we now celebrate as Women's Equality Day. This was a historic achievement, but there is still much to do 100 years later. According to Represent Women, women are 51 percent of the U.S. population, but make up: 
  • 25% of the U.S. Senate
  • 23% of the U.S. House of Representatives
  • 29% of statewide elected executives
  • 29% of state legislative seats
  • 22% of mayors in cities with populations over 30,000
Click here for more statistics, and don't miss a brief interview with LWV CEO Virginia Kase on the Today Show on this topic.
You can also see related resources and events at local organizations at 19at100.org.

Power the vote with LWVJoCo

The general elections will be here before you know it, and LWVJoCo could use your help! Join us August 25, 7 - 8:30 p.m. via Zoom for a Power the Vote Virtual Preview Party.
 
This interactive, organizational party will lay the groundwork to engage and empower voters in 2020 and 2021. Learn about our committees, volunteer opportunities, and have some fun. You can also win great door prizes!
 

Be counted

There is still time to complete the 2020 Census. If you've already completed it, check in with your friends and family to see if they have as well. 
 
Click here to complete the census.
Click here to see the current city ranking in Johnson County.
Click here to tell Congress to protect the Census and extend the deadline to October 31, 2020.
2020-Census-BeCounted

Strong primary turnout 

Almost 35 percent of Johnson County voters participated in the primary election, a significant increase over the 20 percent turnout in the August 2016 primary. Mail-in ballots accounted for 56 percent of the total ballots cast, and Election Commissioner Connie Schmidt said they did not appear to have any issues with ballots arriving late due to the pandemic.
 
For additional voter statistics, read the full article in the Shawnee Mission Post here. You can also find election data on the Johnson County Election Office website.
 
Commissioner Schmidt also emailed LWVJoCo, stating, "I also want to say a special thank yo to the members of the League of Women Voters who volunteered their time to assist in the processing of the return mail ballots - the volume changed on a daily basis and that additional help was most appreciated - again, please convey our thanks to your membership!"

Stay engaged

Save the date for our September meeting
The LWVJoCo is hosting two guest speakers who will help us explore the power and promise of diversity, equity and inclusion. Participants will be asked to reflect and commit to enriching themselves and their communities. 
Saturday, September 12 | 9-10:30 a.m.
 
As a reminder, all monthly meetings will be held virtually through the end of the year. With the exception of September, they are held on the first Saturday of the month. Visit the LWVJoCo events calendar to sign up or learn more.
 
In the news: Vote by mail
The SCOTUS ruling issued last week on RI mail-in ballot requirements represents a positive step in ensuring voters can vote safely during the pandemic (see the news here). However, LWV of Kansas president Cille King expressed concern about what other developments with the USPS could mean for Kansas voters. In an article in the Topeka-Capital-Journal, King stated, "I think those are all very unfortunate and misguided attempts and I would like to see them end and more money given to the postal service to provide the service they do to the public."
Read the full article here.
 
New exhibit: Votes & Voices
Don't miss the National WWI Museum and Memorial's new exhibit, "Votes & Voices," which commemorates the centennial of the 19th Amendment and explores the history of the fight for women's suffrage. Learn more here.
 
Webinar: Marching from Suffrage toward Equality
Turning Point Suffragist Memorial Association will celebrate the 19th Amendment centennial with a webinar discussion of women's equality, "Marching from Suffrage toward Equality." Panelists include Carly Fiorina (former CEO of Hewlett-Packard), Dr. Elisabeth Griffith (nationally renowned historian and author) and the Honorable Victoria A. Lipnic (Commissioner of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission). LWVJoCo is one of the many Leagues that have donated to the creation of the memorial.
Wednesday, August 26 | 7:00 p.m.
 
"Jammin on the Green"
Celebrate the centennial at Shawnee Town with the Grand Marquis. RSVP at (913) 248-2360.
Wednesday, August 26 | 7:00 p.m.
 
YouTube Broadcast - Free Thinker: Sex, Suffrage, and the Extraordinary Life of Helen Hamilton Gardener
Join award-winning historian and author Kimberley Hamlin as she examines the life and influence of the "Harriet Beecher Stowe of Fallen Women" in a discussion of her book on Helen Hamilton Gardener.
Thursday, August 27 | 6:30 p.m.
 

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