Last-minute tips for Kansas City voters: What’s on the ballot, where to vote & more
If you haven’t voted early or by mail, Tuesday is Election Day for local races in Missouri.
Here’s a review of everything you need to know to cast your ballot around Kansas City.
This is the first election that Kansas Citians will cast ballots in their new council districts since the latest round of redistricting.
Seven of the current 13 Kansas City Council members, including Mayor Quinton Lucas, want another four years in office, but only one of them is a shoo-in. Councilwoman Ryana Parks-Shaw is running unopposed in the 5th District.
Six council seats are wide open, and only one of them is uncontested. Former Democratic state Rep. Wes Rogers has no opponent in the 2nd District.
This primary election is the knockout round, where two candidates advance to the June 20 general election in each race — if there are at least two candidates.
In addition to city council and other local officials in municipalities outside of Kansas City, school districts throughout the Missouri side of the metro will have school board elections, and voters will decide a variety of ballot issues, including a potential additional local tax on marijuana.
How do I learn more about what will be on my ballot?
Kansas City Council:
The Star surveyed all of the Kansas City Council candidates about their policy priorities. You can read their responses in their own words.
In addition to the candidate surveys, The Star summarized key city council races and dug into the 4th District race.
If it’s helpful to know which candidates received endorsements from local organizations, we wrote about that too.
School boards:
The Star also surveyed school board candidates for districts surrounding Kansas City. You can similarly read candidates’ responses in their own words.
In Lee’s Summit, we reported on how the school board candidates are clashing on issues like book bans and transgender rights. For KCPS, one board seat will be left to a write-in candidate.
Ballot questions:
In KCMO, voters will weigh in on ballot questions about taxing weed and short term rentals like Airbnbs.
Voters in municipalities outside of Kansas City will also have a say about local weed taxes.
You can look up a sample ballot on the Missouri secretary of states’ website, or through your local election board.
What time do polls open?
Polls will be open from 6 a.m. until 7 p.m.
How do I find my polling place around Kansas City?
Missouri voters should check with the state’s voter outreach search tool.
You can also check directly with your local election board.
Keep in mind: Some polling locations may have changed, so it’s important to make sure you double check your polling location before heading out to vote on Election Day.
What should I bring to the polls?
Registered Missouri voters will need a government-issued photo ID in order to vote. If you don’t have a qualified photo ID, you will be asked to fill out a provisional ballot.
Accepted forms of photo ID for Missouri include:
A non-expired Missouri driver’s license or a state ID
A non-expired military ID, including a veteran ID card
A U.S. passport or another form of photo ID issued by the U.S. government or the state of Missouri that is not expired
How do I contact my election office?
There are multiple election offices serving residents in the Kansas City area. If you have specific questions about your polling place, operating hours or what else you might need to know ahead of voting, make sure you get in touch with your local election office.
Here’s a look at each election office and how to get in touch with them.
The Kansas City Election Board oversees elections for Kansas City, Missouri, residents who live south of the river.
816-842-4820
30 West Pershing Road, Suite 2800, Kansas City, Missouri
The Jackson County Election Board manages elections for residents in Jackson County who live outside of Kansas City — think Independence or Raytown.
816-325-4600
215 N. Liberty, Independence
Cass County Election Authority
Those who live south of Jackson County, in cities like Raymore or Belton, should check in with the Cass County Election Authority.
816-380-8102
102 E. Wall St., Harrisonville
Folks north of the Missouri River and east of North Platte Purchase Drive should go to Clay County for more information.
816-415-8683
100 W. Mississippi St., Liberty
Platte County Board of Elections
People who live north of the MIssouri River and west of North Platte Purchase Drive should check in with Platte County.
816-858-4400
2600 NW Prairie View Road, Platte City
If you have any trouble voting, you can also reach out to The Star at kcq@kcstar.com.
