Elections 2023

Fueled by outrage over efforts to expand affordable housing in Prairie Village, the activist group PV United gathered signatures for three petitions to ditch the city’s current mayor-council form of government and limit construction of multi-family housing. A judge rejected two of those petitions Wednesday afternoon — only to appear to reverse that decision later in the day.

Recently re-elected Mayor Quinton Lucas and the new Kansas City Council will be sworn in Tuesday morning — signaling the start of their four-year term. But for the six newcomers, including Johnathan Duncan and Crispin Rea, preparation began weeks ago.

Voters in the Central Plains school district near Great Bend will decide Tuesday whether to dissolve the district. If the measure passes, the Kansas Board of Education would redraw boundaries and assign the district’s territory into neighboring districts.

Johnson Countians who want to cast ballots early have a number of options, including in-person advanced voting, drop boxes and by mail.

Grassroots tenant union KC Tenants has made affordable housing a top concern in Kansas City. Now, the political arm of the group, KC Tenants Power, has flexed some of its sway in city elections.

As the dust settles on another municipal election, Kansas City residents can expect a city council that will focus on housing, violence and city services. The members also reflect shifting ideas of what's important to Kansas City voters.

All 12 seats on the city council were up for grabs in Tuesday's election. Current Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas easily won reelection.

Kansas City’s tenant union formed a political organizing group last year. The group has been campaigning hard for six candidates as it tries to shift the balance of power in Kansas City with today's election. Plus: Missouri voters could decide whether the state constitution should be harder to change, but it may face a tough reception at the polls.

After forming last year, KC Tenants’ political organizing arm hopes to get its slate of six candidates onto the City Council in the June 20 election.

Robert Sagastume, a senior student advisor with the Hispanic Development Fund, and Spark Bookhart, a convener with the Parent Power Lab, are seeking the subdistrict 3 spot on the Kansas City Public Schools board.

Jenay Manley, a single mom and organizer with KC Tenants, is running for Kansas City Council’s 2nd District At-Large seat against Lindsay French, a lead designer at TJP Strategies. If elected on June 20, Manley would be the first Black person to represent the Northland on City Council.

The open seat is being vacated by Lee Barnes, Jr., who is term-limited out. Voters will choose between Michael Kelley, a political newcomer, and former Hickman Mills school board member Darrell Curls.