KCUR 89.3, NPR in Kansas City, and the Kansas City Public Library kick off Securing Democracy, a three-part series that invites the community and its leaders to discuss securing democracy for the present and clearing a path for a more equitable future.
In the mid-19th century, voter intimidation and fraud took place as debate raged over whether Kansas should enter the Union as a free or slave state. In the early 20th century, Kansas City’s Pendergast machine rigged elections and manipulated vote counts with gangsters and graft that lasted through the Truman presidency. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Voting Rights Act of 1965 codified the promise of voting for all.
Still, in 2022, we are asking questions about access to voting.
This panel conversation, with interaction from the audience, is designed to be a constructive conversation that not only informs attendees about our history but also, more importantly, addresses the urgent need for facts, information, and resources as we move toward the general election in November.
Two community engagement sessions will take place at the Bluford and North-East branches in the weeks following this kickoff program. Watch for details at kclibrary.org.
