Why It Matters: Kansas is the first state to vote on state abortion laws since the overturning of Roe v. Wade in June, which gave states the power to decide on their own abortion laws. Other states, such as California, Kentucky, and Michigan, are expected to have abortion-related topics on the ballot in November.

• The Vote: With higher-than-normal voter turnout, about 60% of the state voted to reject a proposed amendment that would have given lawmakers the ability to tighten restrictions or ban abortion completely. Kansas is typically a conservative-leaning state with more Republicans than Democrats.
• “We will not hand over our constitutional rights and our bodily autonomy to the government, and we will take care of each other and look out for each other because that is what Kansas is all about,” said Sweet.
• Emily Massey, a spokesperson for the campaign which supported the amendment, stated, “This outcome is a temporary setback, and our dedicated fight to value women and babies is far from over.”
• Something to Watch: President Biden is expected to sign an executive order on Wednesday that could make it easier for women to travel between states to obtain an abortion.

Kansas voters resoundingly protect their access to abortion (Associated Press)

Kansas voters defeat abortion amendment in unexpected landslide (Kansas Reflector)

Kansas Votes to Protect Abortion Rights in State Constitution (The Wall Street Journal)