Can you bring a firearm into a polling place in Missouri or Kansas? What the laws say

Kansas and Missouri are home to many gun owners — including those who plan to cast their ballots on or before Tuesday, Nov. 5. But depending on where you live, you may not be allowed to bring your firearm with you to the polling place.

Missouri places more restrictions on guns in and around polling places than Kansas does — but both states prohibit voter intimidation.

Here’s a closer look at the laws to keep in mind when you head to the polls.

Can I carry a gun into a polling place in Missouri?

In Missouri, state statute prohibits carrying a concealed weapon into or within 25 feet of a polling place on Election Day — even if you have a state-issued concealed carry permit.

Voter intimidation is also illegal in Missouri. Under state law, “threatening an act of violence with the intent of denying a person’s lawful right to vote or to participate in the election process” is a class one election offense, carrying with it a prison sentence of up to five years and a fine of up to $10,000.

In Kansas City, the law goes a little further. Carrying a “firearm or any other weapon readily capable of lethal use … into any election precinct on any election day” is a violation of city ordinances. That applies to both open carry and concealed carry — although there are exceptions for police, military members, first responders and court employees.

Those who break Kansas City’s rules around the unlawful use of weapons, including by bringing a gun to a polling place, can face up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.

Can I carry a gun into a polling place in Kansas?

Kansas state statute used to prohibit carrying a “concealed handgun” into “any polling place on the day an election is held.” But as of 2023, the state no longer explicitly bans firearms from polling places.

Instead, state law restricts open carry of firearms only in public buildings with security measures like metal detectors and guards. Private buildings can restrict both open and concealed carry by posting proper signage — but polling places are considered public places.

However, state law does prohibit voter intimidation, which it defines as “intimidating, threatening (or) coercing… any person for the purpose of interfering with the right of such person to vote or to vote as he may choose.”

Which types of behavior are considered intimidating or threatening will likely be circumstantial. So when in doubt, leaving your firearm at home is the safest bet to ensure a smooth voting experience.

Do you have more questions about participating in the upcoming election? Ask the Service Journalism team at kcq@kcstar.com.

This story was originally published October 31, 2024 at 1:46 PM.

Natalie Wallington

The Kansas City Star

Natalie Wallington was a reporter on The Star’s service journalism team with a focus on policy, labor, sustainability and local utilities from fall 2021 until early 2025. Her coverage of the region’s recycling system won a 2024 Feature Writing award from the Kansas Press Association.