Franklin D. Roosevelt once shared, “Nobody will ever deprive the American people of the right to vote except the American people themselves, and the only way they could do this is by not voting.”

In public high schools throughout Kansas, students study the history of democracy in the United States. Furthermore, our state’s Standards for History, Government, and Social Studies call for students to “participate in society as informed, thoughtful, engaged citizens, and voters” (p. 102). One of the best ways a young person can learn is by watching the actions of their families and role models.  Kansas School Superintendents encourage you to engage in democratic process this summer and fall by voting!

According to information provided on the Kansas Office of the Secretary of State website, only 20% of Kansas registered voters cast a ballot in the 2014 August Primary Election. The primary elections are almost as important as the general election, as it determines who will be on ballot in November. In the 2014 General Election, 51% of registered voters cast a ballot. Although greater than the percent of voters that turned out for the Primary Election, 15% less voters engaged in the process compared to the 2012 General Election.

As a native Kansan and father of two children, I care deeply about our state’s future. I wish to see a prosperous state that is safe, maintains a dependable infrastructure, reaches out and supports those most in need, values all citizens, and provides a world-class education and training program for all. This is all possible; however, it greatly depends upon who Kansans elect in the August 2nd Primary and in the November 8th General Election. Our state and our future depend upon the leadership of today.  Please help choose those leaders.

Thank you,

Cory L. Gibson
President of Kansas School Superintendent’s Association