Kansas Legislators condemn political vandalism, urge residents to vote Aug. 2

TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – A bipartisan group of Kansas Senators has condemned latest acts of vandalism in opposition to political indicators for the upcoming vote on the Worth Them Each modification however have nonetheless inspired residents to be diligent of their civic responsibility.

A bunch of Kansas Senators says on Tuesday, July 19, they’ve come collectively to sentence latest vandalism and have urged Kansans to take part within the democratic course of throughout the upcoming main election.

“Elections are sometimes understandably contentious, notably when the problems at stake contain deeply-held views on all sides of a specific query, corresponding to within the case of the Constitutional Modification on the august 2nd main poll,” mentioned the Senators.

On Aug. 2, Kansans will both vote sure or no so as to add the Worth Them Each modification to the Kansas Structure. The modification would add a brand new part to the state’s structure which might learn that there isn’t a constitutional proper to an abortion. This may enable the state legislature to manage abortions by way of new laws.

“Nevertheless, for our political system to perform, all Kansans’ First Modification rights to Freedom of Speech have to be revered,” the Senators acknowledged. “This implies people and organizations should be capable of take part and categorical their views with out worry of intimidation, theft or vandalism.”

Lately, Shawnee County District Lawyer Mike Kagay reminded residents that the theft or vandalism of marketing campaign indicators is unlawful. In the meantime, a bunch of indicators at church buildings and in residents’ entrance yards within the Capital Metropolis have been stolen or vandalized. This is a matter that appears to persist across the state.

“Lately, Kansas made nationwide information when a Catholic church was vandalized in Overland Park. The vandalism included a statue of the Virgin Mary on the church’s premises being lined in crimson paint,” the Senators famous. “The sort of vandalism and intimidation has no place in Kansas. Within the strongest attainable phrases, we condemn this act of cowardice in all types of vandalism, theft, or different acts that break the regulation.”

Based on DA Kagay, the difficulty can be discovered on either side of the aisle with vandalism and thefts reported for each “Vote Sure” and “Vote No” indicators. Whereas the regulation applies equally, all Kansans have been inspired to get out and vote on Aug. 2.

“As we shut in on August 2nd, we encourage Kansans to take part within the course of by displaying indicators, respectfully sharing their views, and most significantly, voting,” the Senators concluded.

Those that signed the letter embrace Sens. Ty Masterson (R-Andover), Dinah Sykes (D-Lenexa), Rick Wilborn (R-McPherson), Larry Alley (R-Winfield), Renee Erickson (R-Wichita), Richard Hilderbrand (R-Baxter Springs), Oletha Faust-Goudeau (D-Wichita), Pat Pettey (D-Kansas Metropolis), Marci Francisco (D-Lawrence), Jeff Pittman (D-Leavenworth), Molly Baumgardner (R-Louisburg), Rick Billinger (R-Goodland), Elaine Bowers (R-Concordia), J.R. Claeys (R-Salina), Ethan Corson (D-Prairie Village), Brenda Dietrich (R-Topeka), John Doll (R-Backyard Metropolis), Mike Fagg (R-El Dorado), Beverly Gossage (R-Eudora), David Haley (D-Kansas Metropolis), Tom Hawk (D-Manhattan), Cindy Holscher (D-Overland Park), Dan Kerschen (R-Backyard Plain), Rick Kloos (R-Berryton), Jeff Longbine (R-Emporia), Carolyn McGinn (R-Sedgwick), Rob Olson (R-Olathe), Kristen O’Shea (R-Topeka), Virgil Peck (R-Havana), Mike Petersen (R-Wichita), Ron Ryckman Sr. (R-Meade), Mark Steffen (R-Hutchinson), Alicia Straub (R-Ellinwood), Gene Suellentrop (R-Wichita), Mike Thompson (R-D-10), Caryn Tyson (R-Parker), Mary Ware (D-Wichita) and Kellie Warren (R-Leawood).

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