Your last-minute guide to voting in Kansas and Missouri primary elections for 2024
It’s Election Day in Kansas and Missouri, so for the procrastinators out there, it’s the perfect time to make a plan to vote.
Both states have a lot to vote for in this year’s Aug. 6 primary, including several statewide races, two ballot issues in Missouri, two Kansas City area tax issues and other local races.
For those catching up, here’s what you need to know about your voting options in Kansas and Missouri, plus specifics about where and when to cast your ballot in the Kansas City area.
When can I vote on Election Day?
All polling places in Kansas are required to be open at least 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, but some begin welcoming voters as early as 6 a.m. or as late as 8 p.m.
In Missouri, polling places are open 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
As in all elections, if you’re in line when the polls close in the evening, you still have a right to vote, so stay in line until you’re able to cast a ballot.
How do I find my polling place in Missouri or Kansas?
Missouri voters should check with the state’s voter information search tool at voteroutreach.sos.mo.gov. You can also check directly with your local election board.
Kansas voters should check the state’s VoterView tool at myvoteinfo.voteks.org, or with their local election board.
Keep in mind: Some polling locations may have changed, so it’s important to make sure you double check your polling location before heading out to vote on Election Day.
How can I learn about what’s on my ballot?
You can see what your ballot will look like on Kansas’ VoterView tool or Missouri’s voter lookup system.
There’s a lot more detailed information about candidates on Kansas City area ballots on voter guides put together by The Star and the nonprofit KC Media Collective:
And you can read up about four ballot issues that you might see on Election Day, two in Missouri, one in Independence and one in Platte County:
What ID do I need to vote in Missouri?
Registered Missouri voters will need a photo ID issued by Missouri or the federal government in order to vote. If you don’t have a qualified photo ID, you will be asked to fill out a provisional ballot.
Accepted forms of photo ID for Missouri include:
A non-expired Missouri driver’s license or a state ID
A non-expired military ID, including a veteran ID card
A U.S. passport or another form of photo ID issued by the U.S. government or the state of Missouri that is not expired
What ID do I need to vote in Kansas?
In Kansas, any government-issued photo ID is acceptable, including driver’s licenses from out of state. If you don’t have a valid photo ID based on Kansas state law, you will be given a provisional ballot.
Photo IDs that will work at Kansas polling places include:
Driver’s license or photo ID card issued by any state
U.S. passport
Military ID
Student ID card from a Kansas institution
Concealed carry license
Public assistance ID card or employee ID issued by a government agency
Can I still vote early in Missouri?
No, you can’t vote early anymore. It’s too late to request an absentee ballot by mail or drop one off, according to the secretary of state’s office. So if you didn’t get that done, you’ll have to head to your polling place Tuesday.
Can I still vote early in Kansas?
Only if you already have a mail ballot. You have time to send yours in if you already have one. If you’re mailing it, Kansas requires ballots be postmarked on or before Election Day, and they have to make it to the election office by Friday. Some drop boxes are also available until 7 p.m. Tuesday. So you better move quickly to turn in your ballot.
If you requested a mail ballot but decided to vote in person instead, you’ll have to cast a provisional ballot at the polls, the secretary of state’s website says. It will only be counted once it’s been verified that you only voted one time.
Where can I drop off my ballot in Wyandotte and Johnson counties?
If you’re dropping off a ballot, there are eight locations in Johnson County where you can do so, including several libraries and the election offices. In Wyandotte County, you can deliver it to the election office until 7 p.m on Election Day.
How can I get results on election night?
Go to KansasCity.com after polls close Tuesday to follow live results from statewide and local races and get the latest coverage.
How do I contact my KC area election board?
The Kansas City Election Board oversees elections for Kansas City, Missouri, residents who live south of the river. It is at 816-842-4820 and 4407 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Kansas City.
The Jackson County Election Board manages elections for residents in Jackson County who live outside of Kansas City — think Independence or Raytown. Reach that office by phone, 816-325-4600, or at 215 N. Liberty, Independence.
Folks north of the Missouri River and east of North Platte Purchase Drive should go to Clay County for more information. Contact the election board at 816-415-8683 or 100 W. Mississippi St., Liberty.
People who live north of the MIssouri River and west of North Platte Purchase Drive should check in with Platte County, by calling 816-858-4400 or visiting 2600 NW Prairie View Road, Platte City.
The Johnson County Election Office oversees elections in Johnson County. Contact 913-715-6800 for more information, or go to 2101 E. Kansas City Road, Olathe
The Unified Government of Wyandotte County Election Office covers Kansas City, Kansas, and broader Wyandotte County. Find more information at 913-573-8500 or 850 State Ave., Kansas City, Kansas.
Have more questions about elections in Kansas and Missouri? Contact the Service Journalism Team at kcq@kcstar.com.
This story was originally published August 4, 2024 at 5:00 AM.