We may have mentioned once or twice that Medicaid expansion will be a big topic in this year's Kansas Legislature. As it was last year. And the year it actually passed, only to be vetoed by Gov. Brownback, then failing to overturn the veto by one vote in the Kansas Senate. And for years before that, too. Well, we have reason to believe this might be the year it gets done.

This is a guest column by MainStream's new Executive Director, Michael Poppa.

Kansas voted yesterday. These were local municipal, school board, and county races, where the turnout is usually low, and usually dependent on particular races in particular localities. For example, in Wichita this year there was a contested Mayoral race, and Sedgwick County saw almost 20% turnout. In 2017, with no headliner on the ballot, turnout in Sedgwick County barely topped 8%.

The election is tomorrow! Vote! Get your friends to vote! Come watch the returns with us! And what is going on in the Wichita Mayoral race? Wow.

Last night, we held our annual fundraiser, Stand Up, Speak Out 2019. Seven hundred engaged, politically active Kansans—elected officials, candidates, activists, advocates, and voters—attended to support the MainStream Education Foundation’s nonpartisan mission to engage Kansas voters in the political process. We were excited to see a significant number of youth represented as well, from Lawrence, Kansas City, KS, and Johnson County.

We're holding a party to get out the vote, early voting is open across Kansas, and the Legislature is still working (but we're paying attention). Get caught up on the most important items in Kansas politics this week.

ksballot.org is a brand new online tool from the MainStream Education Foundation to brings ballot information and more to Kansans statewide. Here's what you can do there:

This week is all about getting registered to vote! Deadline is Tuesday. Then, order a ballot in the mail! It's the easiest way to vote. With all the time you save, you can take a listen to the second season of My Fellow Kansans from the Kansas News Service. This and more, this week in Kansas politics.

On your ballot on November 5th (yes, every Kansan has a ballot to cast this November 5th) there will be an amendment to the Kansas Constitution to eliminate how the state will adjust the results of the 2020 Census.

You should vote 'Yes' for this amendment.

This week in Kansas politics you can support an NDO in Overland Park, learn more about expanding Medicaid in Kansas, and participate in the effort, and be part of a community-wide effort in Wyandotte/KCK to be a safe and welcoming community. Amazing things are afoot in Kansas, be part of it. Do more than vote.