The time has come to cast a ballot — but for whom? KCUR can help you make your decision with this rundown of the major races and links to more information.
To read this in Spanish, go here.
Governor: The Incumbent Vs. The Democrats’ Next Hope
Mike Parson took over the governor’s office in 2018 in the wake of Eric Greitens’ scandal-plagued resignation. The overwhelmingly Republican Statehouse has passed many of his priorities. But he’s also overseeing an at-times troubled state response to the coronavirus, which he tested positive for in September.
Nicole Galloway’s been the state auditor since 2015, initially appointed after a death and winning a full term in 2018. She spoke with St. Louis Public Radio, and has done a number of audits on things like Medicaid eligibility and Clay County.
Lieutenant Governor: Longtime Politician Vs. A Possible First For Missouri
Mike Kehoe knows his way around Missouri politics, having served as a state senator for seven years before Parson appointed him as lieutenant governor. So this is his first time running for statewide office.
Alissia Canady has been a lawyer, a Kansas City councilmember and narrowly missed a runoff in the 2019 mayor’s race. She’s now looking to become the first Black woman to ever hold a statewide office in Missouri.
The Other Statewide Offices
The down-ballot statewide races for secretary of state, attorney general and treasurer don’t seem to be getting a lot of attention, even though their jobs are vitally important. Find out more about all three offices and candidates by reading this.
Amendment 1: Two Terms And You’re Out?
Historically speaking, Missourians are big fans of term limits, having already imposed them on the state Legislature, the governor and treasurer. Now comes a decision on whether to do that for the rest of the statewide offices. Is it a way to limit outside influence or a solution without a problem?
Amendment 3: Muddying The ‘Clean Missouri’ Waters
Two years ago, people made it clear: They wanted a nonpartisan demographer to draw state House and Senate districts in a fair manner with an eye to competitiveness. Republican state lawmakers didn’t agree with the will of the public, approving a referendum that, if it passes Nov. 3, would repeal “Clean Missouri.”
Kansas City-area congressional races
All three U.S. representatives are back up for re-election, and none are running uncontested, though they’ll likely have an easy path to stay in D.C.
- 4th District: GOP Rep. Vicky Hartzler vs. Democrat Lindsey Simmons
- 5th District: Democratic Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II vs. Republican Ryan Derks
- 6th District: GOP Rep. Sam Graves vs. Democrat Gena Ross
Statehouse Races: Making The Law, Stake In The Law
The 2021 Missouri legislative session will be a blockbuster: deciding how to implement Medicaid expansion, dealing with a COVID-hampered budget and redrawing political districts. While the Kansas City metro’s Senate races are pretty much noncompetitive, there are a slate of House races you’ll want to know about.
What Do You Need To Vote?
Missouri is making mail-in voting available to everyone for the first time — though your ballot must be notarized. You can still go to the polls on Nov. 3, too. Find more details at the Secretary of State’s website.
Translation by Marcela Renna in partnership with America Amplified. If you have any questions or concerns about the translation, please email Jennifer@americaamplified.org.
