ACLU of Kansas

As the legislature begins to wind down this week, there are fewer bills moving through the legislative process as lawmakers focus on pursuing their agendas and it's a crucial time to make your voice heard with your lawmakers. In addition to several key bills attacking voting rights, this week we have seen pass a ballot question for Kansas voters to decide in August 2026 whether to amend our constitution to subject supreme court judges to partisan elections. Read the full recap and take action at the link in our bio.

SCR 1611, the proposed constitutional amendment to politicize the Kansas Supreme Court has passed and will now be on the ballot in 2026. But we have faith in Kansas voters to see this power grab for what it is and vote against the politicization of the KS Supreme Court.

CoreCivic can't take "no" for an answer. Despite their long and ongoing track record of abuse and the onslaught of public opposition, CoreCivic is going through with their plans to open an ICE detention facility in Leavenworth. CoreCivic's lack of accountability is a threat to our community safety and we cannot allow that in Leavenworth.

CoreCivic (formerly CCA) claimed that violence in their Leavenworth facility was an "isolated incident." The long list of people seriously hurt there determined that this was a lie — and this list only covers the officers with recorded incidents. CoreCivic cannot be trusted to keep our communities safe. For years, this large private prison corporation has cut corners across the country, sacrificing safety and staff wellbeing for higher profit margins, and its severe mismanagement of its facilities has lead to serious and even deadly consequences, including and especially in Leavenworth. We are on high alert as to what comes next. Last week, CoreCivic withdrew its application with the City to reopen the Leavenworth facility, but we do not trust that this is over.

Kansas lawmakers claim too many mail ballots are being thrown out as they actively work to pass laws that will discard more ballots. Tell your lawmakers to vote NO on SB 4 ?? aclukansas.org/stop-sb-4

Early voting is extremely popular in Kansas, and there are innumerable ways we can make it better, quicker, and easier for voters. Instead, our lawmakers are working to make it harder to vote by mail with SB 4. Join us in stopping this law: aclukanas.org/stop-sb-4 Read the full blog at the link on our website.

This week, our team joined the Planned Parenthood Great Plains Bodily Autonomy Event to discuss the attempted politicization of the Kansas Supreme Court and the implications for abortion rights in the state.

If you're confronted by ICE, remember you have rights, regardless of your immigration status. We will have Spanish versions of our KYR videos soon - but there are already translations on our website.

A diversity of voices from the people of Leavenworth and across Kansas spoke up to make it clear to CoreCivic: you're not welcome here. The trauma and devastation you wreak on communities is not welcome here. Meanwhile the work continues to ensure that our immigrant family; friends, and neighbors are treated with dignity and respect.

Have you found yourself trapped in the Kansas probation system solely due to your inability to pay restitution? We want to hear from you! Screenshot and scan this QR code or visit the link in our bio to fill out the contact form on your experience with the broken probation system.