Yesterday, Governor Laura Kelly vetoed Senate Bill 355, the Congressional redistricting map known as “Ad Astra 2”, that would have divided Wyandotte County along Interstate 70. Kelly says the Districts maps is key in ensuring all Kansans have the opportunity to participate in their government and the map presented made great divisions, did not serve community interest and diluted minority communities voting strength. She also noted that by separating the city of Lawrence and putting it into a largely rural big First District, reduced the strength of communities of interest in western Kansas and divided communities of interest in eastern Kansas.
The Bill also shifted Franklin County into the Third District with Anderson, Miami and Johnson Counties. Though Kelly says she is willing to work with the Legislature to come up with an acceptable map, Senate Republican leaders have vowed to override the Governor’s Veto.
