03/11/24 Missouri Mondays - Important election deadlines! Take URGENT action to restore our repro rights! Tell MOLeg to protect IP & majority rule, Planned Parenthood funding, voting rights, more!
This is what democracy looks like!
Welcome to Missouri Mondays!
Friends, it’s another busy week and we are so glad you’re here!
THE MISSOURI DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY IS MARCH 23, 2024
Tomorrow TUESDAY, MARCH 12 is the deadline for requesting a mail in ballot. In person voting is on March 23 from 8am-noon. Find primary details below including how to request a mail in ballot, polling locations for Jackson County voters, and more.
Are you ready to vote in the APRIL 2, 2024 GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION? Find important dates and voter resources below!
Join the Missourians for Constitutional Freedom effort to help restore abortion and reproductive rights in Missouri! There’s a VERY SHORT window for signature gathering so the time is NOW to get involved! See details below!
So much at stake this week in MOLeg! Submit witness testimony, make calls, send emails to protect initiative petitions (IP) and majority rule, end attacks on Planned Parenthood funding, restore Presidential Primaries in Missouri, and so much more! See CALLS TO ACTION below!
THANK YOU for staying informed, taking action, and helping to spread the word by sharing this link to sign up for Missouri Mondays weekly email bit.ly/3pF99Uw.
ACTIONS TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
TAKE ACTION WITH THE MISSOURI VOTER PROTECTION COALITION (MOVPC)
TO PROTECT THE RIGHT TO VOTE
Join the MOVPC weekly online meeting MONDAYS at 10 AM
Text “MOVPC” to 66866 or register HERE: bit.ly/protectmovoters
Your help is needed to protect voting rights and ensure ALL Missourians are able to make their voices heard! MOVPC is a nonpartisan statewide network promoting access to the ballot and working to remove barriers to voting in Missouri! Register for Monday calls here!
MOVPC 2024 Missouri Legislative Tracker
See a breakdown of elections related bills on MOVPC's Voting Rights Legislative Tracker here: bit.ly/movotingbills
DONATE TO MOVPC
Help the non-partisan Missouri Voter Protection Coalition lead the fight against attacks on our freedom to vote in the statehouse, in the courthouse, in the media, in the streets and at the polls on Election Day. Donate: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/movpc
~~~~~
TELL YOUR STATE ELECTEDS TO STOP ATTACKS ON INITIATIVE PETITIONS AND MAJORITY RULE!
The Republican supermajority is advancing legislation designed to gut Missouri's long-standing citizen initiative process and end majority rule in Missouri and silence Missouri's voters. Tell your state electeds to ensure all Missourians are able to have their voices heard! Protect direct democracy through the initiative petition process and majority rule!
Find your state senator and representative using the Legislator Lookup here: https://www.senate.mo.gov/LegisLookup/Default.
From LWVMO Calls to Action Week of March 10
Senate Bill SCS/SJR 74
Weakens Missouri's Initiative Petition process by adding a concurrent majority of US Congressional districts requirement.
Passed in the Senate and now in the House.
Scheduled for a hearing TUES MARCH 12 at NOON in the House Elections and Elected Officials Committee
TESTIFY IN PERSON MARCH 12 OR SUBMIT WITNESS TESTIMONY TO THE MO HOUSE ELECTIONS AND ELECTED OFFICIALS COMMITTEE TO REJECT SCS/SJR 74!
BEFORE TUES MARCH 12 submit witness testimony on SCS/SJR 74 here: https://witness.house.mo.gov/Default.aspx?noticeid=8651
Voting should not give preference or more weight based on zip code; each vote should count equally regardless of where you live.
Requiring a two-condition threshold creates a rule by minority, undermining majority rule and the will of all Missourians.
The League of Women Voters believes responsible government should be responsive to the will of the people! TAKE ACTION! MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD!
MO Legislature Proposed Changes to Initiative Petitions in the News
KMBC News March 3, 2024
“Proposed bills could change majority rule in Missouri” “Politicians in Jefferson City are ramping up efforts to change the power of your vote. There are multiple bills being considered to change the initiative petition process, a process where voters decide on changes to the state's constitution. We speak with a political analyst to discuss the political strategies at play, and what they mean for you.” https://www.kmbc.com/article/proposed-bills-could-change-majority-rule-in-missouri/60044372
Missouri Independent Feb 5, 2024
“As few as 1 in 5 voters could defeat initiative petitions under Missouri Senate proposal” https://missouriindependent.com/2024/02/05/as-few-as-1-in-5-voters-could-defeat-initiative-petitions-under-missouri-senate-proposal/
~~~~~
TELL STATE SENATORS TO SUPPORT SB 1120 TO RESTORE THE PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY IN MISSOURI!
From LWVMO Calls to Action Week of March 10
Senate Bill SB 1120 - Restore the Presidential Primary in Missouri
Scheduled for a hearing in the Senate Local Government and Elections Committee TODAY MONDAY MARCH 11 AT 2:00 PM
Would restore the presidential primary in Missouri
A presidential primary encourages voter participation especially compared with the time-consuming caucus system which is not readily accessible for students, parents, shift workers and the disabled
CALL TO ACTION!
Email Senate Local Government and Elections Committee members using the form on the legislator’s website. Find committee members here: https://www.senate.mo.gov/Committees/CommitteeDetails/40
~~~~~
TELL YOUR STATE SENATOR TO REJECT ATTACKS ON PLANNED PARENTHOOD AND ABORTION CARE FUNDING! VOTE NO! ON Senate Bill SCS/SBS 1168 & 810
From LWVMO Calls to Action Week of March 10
Under this bill, no public funds shall be expended to any abortion facility, or affiliate or associate thereof, including for MO HealthNet reimbursement.
Planned Parenthood does not provide abortions in MO but provides necessary healthcare such as contraception, sexually transmitted infection testing and treatment.
Bill denies necessary healthcare to people who count on Medicaid since there are not enough providers that accept the same.
The League has joined with other pro-choice organizations in continuous opposition to restrictions on the right of privacy in reproductive choices that have appeared in Congress as legislative riders to funding measures.
The League supports the rights of women and those who can become pregnant to self-determination related to, and including, but not limited to bodily autonomy, privacy, reproductive health, and lifestyle choice.
CALL TO ACTION ON Senate Bill SCS/SBS 1168 & 810
Contact your state senator to oppose Senate Bill SCS/SBS 1168 & 810 using the LWV talking points provided above or briefly share your personal story about why Planned Parenthood funding is important to you. Find your state senator using the Legislator Lookup here: https://www.senate.mo.gov/LegisLookup/Default.
~~~~~
TELL YOUR STATE REPRESENTATIVE TO SUPPORT HCS/HBS 1477 & 1437 ESTABLISHING "BLAIR’S LAW” INCREASING PENALTIES FOR CELEBRATORY GUN FIRE!
From LWVMO Calls to Action Week of March 10
Establishes “Blair's Law" which states that a person commits the offense of unlawful discharge of a firearm if that person, with criminal negligence, discharges a firearm within or into the limits of any municipality.
Placed on the House Formal Perfection Calendar for Monday, March 11.
Missouri considered a “failed” state for lack of strong gun laws (Everytown)
Missouri has three times as many gun deaths as other national gun leader states (Grandparents For Gun Safety)
American children are twelve times more likely to be killed by a gun than children in other countries (CDC)
CALL TO ACTION!
Tell your state representative to support HCS/HBS 1477 & 1437 establishing Blair’s Law. Find your representative using the Legislator Lookup here: https://www.senate.mo.gov/LegisLookup/Default.
~~~~~
TAKE URGENT ACTION NOW WITH THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS MISSOURI ON LEGISLATION!
Week of March 10
Calls to Action on CITIZENS INITIATIVE PETITIONS, VOTING RIGHTS, REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS, GUN POLICY, TAXES: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1wBGcCMHisGtPf_lvH9USV-0CjjQ0gE-p/edit
Weekly Legislative Bulletin here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1m_fa1tQ0TL8Fm2Lnk_XMKb7IMbx5fPD8/view
Find your state senator and representative using the Legislator Lookup here: https://www.senate.mo.gov/LegisLookup/Default Make your voice heard on issues of importance to you!
~~~~~
UPCOMING EVENTS - WAYS TO GET INVOLVED
JOIN THE EFFORT TO PUT ABORTION RIGHTS ON THE BALLOT!
Support the work of Missourians for Constitutional Freedom!
Missourians for Constitutional Freedom is a statewide coalition of organizations and concerned citizens from across the state working to establish the right for all Missourians to make decisions about our own reproductive health care – including abortion, birth control, and miscarriage care – without interference from out-of-touch politicians.
We are coming together to end Missouri’s cruel total ban on abortion and give the power to make personal health care decisions back to where it belongs – to the people.
WE HAVE A VERY SHORT WINDOW!! We are required to collect 172,000 valid signatures by May 5th, 2024, to ensure Missourians get to vote on ending our cruel abortion ban at the ballot. Your SUPPORT IS CRUCIAL to make this initiative a reality.
VOLUNTEER: Every action matters. Sign up to collect signatures, make calls, or host a house party. Sign up at https://moconstitutionalfreedom.org/ to receive updates from the campaign and get notified for opportunities to sign the petition near you! Find events near you: https://www.mobilize.us/mfcf/
DONATE: Your donation will directly contribute to kicking politicians out of personal, medical, and family decision making in Missouri. Donate here: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/missourians-for-constitutional-freedom-1
~~~~~
IMPORTANT MISSOURI VOTER DATES AND RESOURCES!
THE MISSOURI DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY IS MARCH 23, 2024
Many Missouri voters don't know that in 2022 the MO General Assembly passed legislation eliminating the state’s March presidential primary and turned the process over to the political parties.
The Missouri Democratic Presidential Primary will be held on March 23, 2024 from 8:00AM - 12:00PM
It will be a hybrid election, offering Missouri Democrats an opportunity to cast their vote by **mail or at an in-person voting site from 8 AM until noon on the day of the primary.
Participants must be registered to vote and can’t be registered with another party.
Find details about the Missouri Democratic Party (MDP) Presidential primary here: https://www.missouridemocrats.org/mdp-primary-information-2024
REQUEST A BALLOT BY TUESDAY MARCH 12 TO VOTE BY MAIL! Request a ballot to vote in the Democratic Presidential Primary by mail here: https://www.missouridemocrats.org/mdp-primary-information-2024
Find more MO Dem Presidential Primary information on the Missouri Democratic Party (MDP) website and Jackson County Democrats here: https://www.missouridemocrats.org/mdp-primary-information-2024
IN PERSON POLLING LOCATIONS IN JACKSON COUNTY FOR DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY ON MARCH 23 FROM 8:00AM - 12:00PM
Eastern Jackson County Courthouse - 308 W Kansas Ave, Independence, MO 64050.
IAFF 42 - 6320 Manchester Ave, Kansas City, MO 64133
Pipefitters Local 533 - 8600 Hillcrest Rd, Kansas City, MO 64138
~~~~~
APRIL 2, 2024 GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION
Election Day: April 2, 2024
Polls Open: 6:00 a.m.
Polls Close: 7:00 p.m.
Last Day to Register: March 6, 2024
In Person Absentee Voting Begins: February 20, 2024
Military & Overseas Portal opens: February 13, 2024
Applications mailed to permanently disabled: February 16, 2024
No Excuse In Person Absentee (Early) Voting Opens: March 19, 2024
Note: You may not have an April 2 election in your area. Check your local election authority website for detailed voting information.
To find your election authority go here: https://www.sos.mo.gov/elections/goVoteMissouri/localelectionauthority
Kansas City Board of Election Commissioners
Serving voters in Kansas City within Jackson County
4407 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Kansas City, MO 64130
Phone: (816) 842-4820
Website: https://www.kceb.org
Jackson County Election Board
Serving Eastern Jackson County voters–All of Jackson County outside the city limits of Kansas City
215 N. Liberty
Independence, Missouri 64051
Phone: (816) 325-4600
Website: https://jcebmo.org/
ELECTION PROTECTION 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683)
The national, nonpartisan Election Protection coalition works year-round to ensure that all voters have an equal opportunity to vote and have that vote count. Made up of more than 300 local, state and national partners, Election Protection uses a wide range of tools and activities to protect, advance and defend the right to vote.
To report a problem or for general elections/voting questions call 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683)
~~~~~
MARCH IS WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH!
Kansas City WHM Art Exhibitions
KCUR / NPR
For March, we’ve picked six art exhibitions around Kansas City that highlight a cohort of women-identified artists, honor women’s history and interrogate feminist subjects. These exhibitions explore topics like healing, sexism and discrimination, aging and immigrant experiences. As you walk through these exhibitions, we encourage you to think about how women’s identities and gender expectations have changed throughout history, and reflect on the new and persisting challenges those identifying as women continue to navigate. Details here: https://www.kcur.org/arts-life/2024-03-02/celebrate-womens-history-month-with-these-kansas-city-art-exhibitions
March is Women's History Month The Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum join in commemorating and encouraging the study, observance and celebration of the vital role of women in American history.
WHM information: https://www.womenshistorymonth.gov/index.html
Exhibits and Collections: https://www.womenshistorymonth.gov/ExhibitsandCollections.html
~~~~~
FIND EVENTS AND MORE WAYS TO GET INVOLVED HERE: https://docs.google.com/document/d/19AZUdtRH5WXefOC4Q5D9u-HyuzhBEL8rYX9Ospn3n18/edit?usp=sharing
~~~~~
MISSOURI MONDAYS NEWS SUPPLEMENT!
With so much important news each week we don’t want you to miss a thing! Check out our MISSOURI MONDAYS NEWS SUPPLEMENT here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/13cokjWlCh2EkY5K6bM357rjVPizZDzxlMqjAuoBQfoI/edit?usp=sharing
THANK YOU! for staying informed and taking action to make a difference!
Invite your friends and neighbors to join us and sign up for Missouri Action Alliance and this Missouri Mondays weekly email at bit.ly/3pF99Uw
Follow us on X (formerly Twitter) at @MissouriAction, on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/MOActionAlliance and check out our website at http://www.MOActionAlliance.com
