Elections

The Supreme Court has left in place a ruling that strikes down a key tool for enforcing Voting Rights Act protections for voters with a disability or an inability to read or write in seven states, including Missouri.

First-term Kansas state Sen. Patrick Schmidt said the issues facing residents are greater than what can be addressed at the state level. Calling himself the “door-knockingest candidate in the race,” Schmidt is competing in the crowded Democratic primary for U.S. Senate.

Three Republican candidates and three Democratic candidates for Kansas governor did not participate in the forum.

Eleven candidates are running as Democrats in the August 4 primary for U.S. Senate in Kansas. Christy Davis, a candidate from Cottonwood Falls, said that number shows Sen. Roger Marshall’s failure to represent Kansans. Davis is touting her experience as the only candidate who served in a federal leadership role.

Two Kansas state senators and Overland Park’s mayor are facing off in the Aug. 4 primary election for Kansas governor. They joined KCUR’s Up To Date to discuss how they’d address issues affecting Kansans.

County officials say the 2026 Advance Voting Plan will provide equitable access to early in-person polling sites countywide. But with early voting locations cut from 18 to 12, some residents question whether the move will reduce access to the ballot box for those who want to cast an early ballot.

The Rev. Adam Hamilton thinks that faith can play a role in turning the political tide towards Democrats during the midterm elections. The Leawood pastor spoke with KCUR’s Up To Date about the issues important to him in his run for a Kansas U.S. Senate seat, and about bridging the divide in Washington.

The GOP majority on the 10-member state panel hangs in the balance as elections approach this fall.

Democratic U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids says she’s hearing from Kansas residents who are struggling to make ends meet. In an interview with KCUR's Up To Date, Davids said President Trump went to war in Iran "without a clear strategy," and it's adding to the high cost of living.

The deadline to file as a candidate for governor of Kansas was Monday, June 1. A last-minute filing shook up the Democratic field, while there's a clear frontrunner among the seven Republicans in the running.

Opponents contend the measure would violate a ban on constitutional amendments including more than one subject. They also argue the ballot summary is misleading and should be changed.

Voters will see two controversial questions on Missouri’s statewide ballot in August, when turnout is expected to be lower. Amendment 4 would make it much harder for citizens to change the constitution, while Amendment 5 seeks to expand sales taxes.