Election 2026
2026 is a midterm election year on the federal level, with this fall's contests deciding which party will control Congress. But it's turning out to be a critical year for the Kansas City region as well.
In Kansas and Missouri, voters will decide races for U.S. Senate, every U.S. House seat, governor and more. Critical constitutional amendments will appear on the ballots in both states. And around Kansas City, voters will decide a number of important bond issues and more.
State primary elections in Missouri and Kansas are on Aug. 4, 2026. Find our primary election guide here.
Election Day is on Nov. 3, 2026.
No matter which state you're voting from, KCUR wants to make sure you have all the information you need before you fill out your ballot.
Over the year, we'll be providing guides and resources for the 2026 election — plus interviews with candidates and spotlights on individual races.
All of the content below — and everything on our website — is available for free, always, no paywall or login needed. But if you want to support our journalism, you can become a member of KCUR here.
Voter tips
- Want to know who represents you in the legislature? Look up your representatives in in Kansas and in Missouri.
- Before you head to the polls, make sure you’re registered to vote. Voter registration deadlines have passed in both states, but you should double check your voter status in Missouri and in Kansas.
- Speaking of polling places, here’s where to find your voting location in Missouri and Kansas. Take note: Your polling place may have changed since the last time you voted.
- Both Kansas and Missouri require photo ID to vote, and the accepted forms of identification differ in each state. If you don’t bring proper ID, you’ll have to cast a provisional ballot.
Dates & deadlines
- Missouri voter registration deadline for primary: July 8, 2026
- Kansas voter registration deadline for primary: July 14, 2026
- Advance voting begins in Kansas: July 15, 2026
- Primary election day: Aug. 4, 2026
- Missouri voter registration deadline for general: Oct. 7, 2026
- Kansas voter registration deadline for general: Oct. 13, 2026
- Advance voting begins in Kansas: Oct. 14, 2026
- General election day: Nov. 3, 2026
-
Amendment 5’s sponsor says it won’t affect schools in the short term and could help in the long term. But critics say it leaves too many unanswered questions. -
Question 3 on the Aug. 4 election asks Kansas City voters to extend the 1/8-cent Central City Economic Development tax that helps fund projects in the urban core. -
If voters approve the constitutional amendment, Kansas will move to a system of electing justices. If not, the state will continue with its current, merit-based appointment system. Critics say the amendment is an attempted power grab by Republican lawmakers. -
A statement signed by four Missouri diocese leaders doesn't specifically tell voters to reject the August ballot issue, which would allow expanded sales taxes and end the state income tax. But the bishops say it will disproportionately harm people with lower incomes. -
If approved by Missouri voters on Aug. 4, 2026, Amendment 4 would raise the threshold to change the state constitution through the citizen-led initiative petition process. However, amendments sent to the ballot by the Missouri General Assembly would only require a simple majority to pass. -
Kansas' 3rd congressional district is not considered a battleground. Democrat Sharice Davids has held it since 2019, even after redistricting changed her constituency four years ago. This year, she faces two Republican challengers, a Libertarian and a Democrat running to her left. -
Kansas City Council member Nathan Willett's former state campaign sent to $165,000 to a nonprofit, which later gave nearly the same amount to a super PAC backing his bid for Missouri 6th Congressional District. -
Five Republicans are running to replace U.S. Rep. Sam Graves in Missouri’s 6th District. Conservative talk show radio host Chris Stigall talks policy ahead of the August primary. -
Kansas City voters will see Question 4 (water) and Question 5 (sewer) on their Aug. 4 ballot. Here's what to know about the ballot language, the history behind the bonds, what they will fund and where the money comes from. -
Several Republicans are running to replace U.S. Rep. Sam Graves, who isn’t running for reelection in Missouri’s 6th District. Kansas City Council member Nathan Willett shares what his priorities would be if he is elected, and why he thinks he’s the right fit for the job.
