KFDW NEWSLETTER
2026 MAY NEWSLETTER
KANSAS FEDERATION OF DEMOCRATIC WOMEN’S RESPONSE TO THE SUPREME COURT RULING ON THE LANDMARK 1965 VOTING RIGHT ACT
New Ruling, Same Old Playbook: Dilute the Vote
The Supreme Court’s decision to weaken the Voting Rights Act is as predictable as it is damaging. For decades, Section 2 has been one of the last meaningful tools to challenge racial discrimination in voting, particularly the kind that hides behind carefully engineered district maps. By narrowing it, the Court has not “clarified” the law; it has made it significantly easier to dilute the political power of Black and Latino voters.
Let’s be honest about what this invites. This ruling all but guarantees a new wave of aggressive gerrymandering. State legislatures now have greater freedom to dismantle districts that ensured fair representation, all while claiming neutrality. The result will be maps that entrench power, skew elections, and sideline entire communities, exactly the outcome the Voting Rights Act was designed to prevent.
This is not a hypothetical concern. Redistricting battles are already underway, and the incentives to exploit this decision are obvious. Without strong federal protections, the balance of power in Congress itself can be reshaped through lines on a map rather than the will of voters.
Congress created the Voting Rights Act to confront a problem the courts had failed to solve. It is now Congress’s responsibility to respond when those protections are weakened. The Kansas Federation of Democratic Women stands with our Latino and African-American brothers and sisters. Our votes this fall have new meaning and may be the last for many of us. It is up to us, as our courts have bent the knee. Turnout is built, conversation by conversation.
And we are talking.
***
KANSAS – THIS IS OUR MOMENT. We can shape the next administration, but only if we use that power early. We have the Judges Amendment on the ballot in AUGUST (you all know why it’s in Aug, right? – Republicans are shameless). We can’t let them BUY JUDGES. We have to act – now. It’s about our bodies, school funding, the separation of church and state – all of it – we can’t allow ELON to PURCHASE JUDGES!
And we can’t wait until August and expect people to show up and vote. Turnout doesn’t happen on its own – it’s built, conversation by conversation.
Start now.
- Talk to people in your life. Then talk to them again in July.
- Tell them real Kansans don’t buy Judges.
- Ask if they want to host a yard sign.
- Ask: What’s your voting plan? Do you know where to go?
- Ask: Do you know about early voting? What’s your backup plan if something comes up?
This is how we protect strong systems – by making sure people actually show up.
What will you do to engage – and help vote this administration out?
Power isn’t something we wait for.
It’s something we use – together, and on purpose.
In solidarity,
#LFG
Cassie Woolworth, President
“Do as much as you can, as long as you can, then pass the baton and rest; We will need you tomorrow too!”
HOW WOMEN WIN IN KANSAS
Life is tough, women are tougher.
👉 Watch the series: https://www.youtube.com/@KFDW
ABOUT THAT RUNNING FOR OFFICE…
Kansas Federation of Democratic Women raises moeny to spend on state-wide senate, house, and school board races. ALL our fundraising goes to these candidates.
Are you thinking about running for office in Kansas? We want to help!!
While our Chapters may have a specific donation area, for example, Johnson County Democratic Women donates within the limits of JOCO, the KFDW is able to contribute all across Kansas! WESTERN KANSAS HERE WE COME!!
You must be a member of one of our chapters – but don’t fret if you’re out of range – the KFDW has an AT LARGE chapter. If you are not within driving distance of a chapter, please join the AT LARGE CHAPTER here.
>> Next month we’ll put out the Endorsement Questionaire!
If you are interested but not sure you want to run, if this is the correct time, or what it entails, please contact your local democratic office or the Kansas Democratic Party in Topeka https://kansasdems.org/
2026 KFDW CD2 Convention – MAY 2nd
A RISING BLUE TIDE LIFTS THE NATION
It’s too late to get tickets, but we’ll put pictures and other items in the next newsletter.
And NEXT YEAR, IN APRIL – plan on joining Johnson County Democratic Women for the 73rd Annual KFDW Convention in Olathe, KS.
MAYS CALENDAR
Capital Area Democratic Women (CADW)
Our meetings have transitioned to a hybrid meeting style. For those who are interested in joining us in person our next meeting is May 13th at 6pm at the Celtic Fox located at 118 SW 8th Ave, #202, Topeka, KS 66603. Please arrive at 5:30 to order dinner and/or drinks before the meeting starts.
We also broadcast via Facebook live. Find CADW on Facebook
On Thursday, May 7th JCDW will host our Social from 6-8pm at The Bar in Prairie Village. This month we’re talking the Judicial Amendment – how to find and engage new people and early voting. We’re also at our last push before June 1st filing deadline – wanna run? Know someone who might want to run? Let’s chat!
Then on May 21st JCDW welcomes Micah Kibic, director of the ACLU to Black Bear Diner on Strang Line in Olathe. Micah will disucss the Judicial Amendment and how we engage and turn out less interested voters. Thursday May 21st 6-8 PM.
Candidates are welcome to come and practice their 2-minute elevator speech in a room full of friendlies! In JUNE we’ll practice along with you!
Reno County Democratic Women
The next meeting of RCDW will be Tuesday May 12th. We meet 2nd Tuesdays at the Airport Steakhouse 1100 Airport Rd., Hutchinson, in the private meeting room on the north end of the restaurant, 11:30 for lunch. The meeting starts at noon. We typically have a speaker. We’ll also discuss the Judicial Amendment. We adjourn by 1pm.
Consider becoming a member of the Reno County Democratic Women for only $20/calendar year! Contact Peggy Hughes for details at peggy@hughes2k.com.
Saline County Democratic Women (SCDW)
Join Saline County Democratic Women on May 16th at 10:45 AM at Martinelli’s , 158 S Santa Fe, Salina, KS for our monthly meeting. We’ll discuss Judges, Candidates and this year elections. Candidates are welcome! Feel free to bring literature to pass out.
Membership
Annual membership dues are $17. You can join or renew by emailing Emma Doherty at doherty2085red@gmail.com
Sedgwick County Democratic Women (SCDW)
On May 14th the Sedgwick County Democratic Women will meet at Felipe’s Restaurant, 3434 W Central, Wichita, KS. The meeting starts at 6:30 pm, but members are encouraged to come as early as 5:00 pm for dinner and conversation.
Sedgwick County Democratic Women brings together local Democratic women to support the party and promote women’s involvement at all levels.
“When women vote, Democrats win,” because Democrats support the social issues so important to families and communities and healthy societies.
Find SCDW on Facebook
Wyandotte Progressives
The WyCo Progressive Women support the WE THE PEOPLE Demonstrations, a weekly gathering focused on civic engagement and protecting democratic values, held every Saturday from noon to 1:30pm at the Legends near Village West Parkway and Prairie Crossing, in partnership with WYCO Indivisible; in addition, throughout April we will host discussions on defending against the election of judges, supporting Wyandotte County candidates, and identifying practical ways individuals can help strengthen democracy, with specific dates and times to be announced soon.
JOIN KFDW’s GROWING TEAMS!
KFDW is currently looking for Program Chair. Join us as Program Chair and assists with the How Women Win in Kansas Campaign as well as our Voter to Voter initiative, prepares opportunities and reaches out to speakers.
Please contact Kat Hooley-Lickteig at kat.hooleylickteig@outlook.com if you are interested.
National Federation of Democratic Women
– Announcements
JOIN NFDW in LAS VEGAS on JUNE 3-6th
Join the National Federation of Democratic Women in Las Vegas for our 2026 national convention. National, state, and local leaders will convene to execute NFDW business, network, and fellowship. www.nfdw.com/2026convention
