voting

A new law passed by Republicans in the Kansas Legislature repeals a three-day grace period for mail-in ballots that were postmarked by Election Day. Civic groups sued, calling it a “deliberate and unconstitutional assault on Kansans’ fundamental right to vote.”

Early voting is underway. The amendment appears on ballots statewide during the primary election and every voter can weigh in, regardless of political affiliation.

Several states, including Missouri, have ballot measures this year that could raise the thresholds needed to pass state constitutional amendments. Many advocates are critical of such limits on direct democracy.

Gov. Mike Kehoe signed an additional 35 bills Monday evening, including legislation that raises the speed limit on rural highways and interstates to 75 mph.

The law, which went into effect July 1, was designed to rapidly remove ineligible voters from registration rolls and restrict the use of voter registration websites. The Republican-led Kansas Legislature overrode Gov. Laura Kelly's veto to pass the bill.

The U.S. Supreme Court has upheld a Mississippi law that allows election officials to count mail-in ballots that are postmarked by Election Day but received up to five days after it.

Ads over amendments 4 and 5 are beginning to flood the state, but some major donors behind the campaigns may never be known.

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.

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

Some Republicans want to convert the St. Louis-based 1st Congressional District into a winnable seat, after successfully carving up Kansas City in order to oust Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II. But doing that could place the entire map at risk for a Democratic takeover.

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.