Dear ACLU of Kansas Members, Volunteers, and Supporters:
I'm sure you have been following the news and the increasing number of people encountering COVID-19 (coronavirus) across the United States and globally. As people who interact with many others every day, we at the ACLU of Kansas have been paying close attention to the news and guidance being offered by the State and health authorities.
Internally at the affiliate, our leadership team is monitoring the situation and implementing a contingency plan to ensure staff stay healthy and that our work continues. We are fortunate to have ample sick leave and the option to work from home if necessary.
Regarding our volunteer and member gatherings: please do not come to ACLU of Kansas meetings if you are feeling sick. I promise we understand! Even if you are not concerned about long-term impact on your health, if you are ill, your presence could cause harm to other people in the room who may have underlying conditions, lack health insurance, or are otherwise more vulnerable than yourself. Protecting our community’s health should be a priority for all of us.
We anticipate that most of our scheduled meetings will be shifted to zoom video conferencing or a similar platform. We are working to ensure that our video and conference calling capacity is as accessible as possible.
Let us remember that we can’t fight to create a better world alone. In the times of physical isolation for containment purposes, it's important that we stay connected to our community and each other in different ways. Stay connected with us by email or phone, and we commit to do the same!
Finally, let us remember - these are moments when people who are afraid to go to the doctor because of increased ICE raids, people who have fallen through the cracks as they exit the criminal justice system, and people who don't have access to healthcare are most at risk. And it is a time when we need to remember that we are in this together. When we all do better, we all do better.
Thanks for your work to strengthen civil rights and liberties in Kansas. If you have additional concerns or ideas, please feel free to email me.
Onward,
Ellen G.
Field Director, ACLU of Kansas
P.S. We are also actively planning ahead for how COVID-19 may impact access to voting in 2020. We highly recommend applying for a mail-in ballot if that is accessible to you. Check your registration and apply for a mail-in ballot for the August 4, 2020 Primary here.
Additionally, here is some key information regarding requesting a mail-in ballot for upcoming presidential primary elections:
- The Kansas Democratic Presidential Primary is on May 2, 2020. Voters who register as Democrats by March 9 should automatically receive an absentee ballot. Request a mail in ballot by April 17 by emailing: [email protected]
- The Kansas Republican Presidential Primary has been cancelled.