At a time when Kansans are struggling with rising costs—at the grocery store, at the gas pump, and with housing and child care—some state politicians want to call a special session that would cost taxpayers nearly $500,000. Not to help families. Not to fix schools or lower property taxes. But to redraw our congressional maps again, just three years after the last redistricting.

This isn’t normal. Redistricting is supposed to happen once every ten years, after new census data. But now, politicians in Topeka want to bend the rules for one reason: to give themselves an advantage by changing who votes in which district. That’s not how democracy is supposed to work. Voters should choose their politicians—not the other way around.

And it’s not just unfair—it’s a waste of time and money. Lawmakers are supposed to represent us. Instead, they’re pushing a rushed and expensive process with no public input, no new data, and no benefit to working Kansans.

What’s more, the current proposal would split up communities like Johnson County, weakening our shared voice and making it harder for both rural and suburban residents to be heard. Combining areas with completely different needs under one representative makes it harder—not easier—to govern.

This petition calls on Kansas legislators, especially in the House, to reject this special session. Do not sign the petition to bring it forward. Focus instead on the priorities Kansans actually care about: lowering costs, investing in education, and making life better for families.

We believe in fair play and real representation. That means no mid-decade power grabs and no new maps.

Let’s remind lawmakers: Democracy is not a game. And Kansans are paying attention.

Photo: REUTERS/Nuri Vallbona