Kansas Legislature schedules second round of redistricting town halls for November

Katie Bernard
·2 min read

Kansas lawmakers will hold a second round of redistricting town halls next month as they prepare to redraw Congressional and Legislative maps.

Legislative leaders said in August they would likely hold more meetings after widespread criticism that the first sessions were scheduled at inconvenient times and on short notice.

Unlike the August hearings, which were held in-person across the state, the four November hearings will be virtual.

Kansans who want to testify must do so from computers set up at designated locations or reach out to the Legislative Research Department at least 24 hours in advance to ask for an access link. Written testimony can also be submitted.

Senate President Ty Masterson and House Speaker Ron Ryckman each said they hoped the committees would provide Kansans who couldn’t attend the last hearings an opportunity to make their voices heard.

“Folks will have plenty of time to testify,” Ryckman said

Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes, a Lenexa Democrat, said she was pleased to see the hearings were scheduled but remained concerned constituents wouldn’t have adequate information ahead of the meetings.

“We have not set guidelines, the public does not know the criteria that we are using,” Sykes said. “It’s really important as people are coming to give their input that they know what we’re looking for.”

Exact locations are yet to be determined. Dates and times are below.

  • Nov. 22, 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. in Atchison, Ottawa, Independence and Kansas Native American Reservations

  • Nov. 23, 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. in Emporia, Great Bend, Liberal, McPherson

  • Nov. 29, 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. in Newton and El Dorado

  • Nov. 30, 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. in Stillwell and Bonner Springs

Kansans who want to testify should email redistricting@klrd.ks.gov or call 785-296-3181.