Johnson County sees spike in voter registrations since abortion ruling: 'Emotions are high'

In the last week, the Johnson County Election Office says it has fielded well over 1,000 inquiries regarding early voting and voter registration ahead of next month’s vote in Kansas, which features a question on abortion.
Election and party officials in Johnson County report a spike in political activity since the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision last week overturning Roe v. Wade, clearing the way for new abortion bans and other restrictions to go into place.

The ruling trains a spotlight on Kansas, where there will be a vote on August 2 on an amendment, known as “Value Them Both,” which would change the state constitution to remove abortion as a protected right.

If approved, the amendment would make it possible for state lawmakers to impose new abortion restrictions starting during next year’s legislative session.