Haven’t voted yet? Here’s what KC-area voters should know for April 7 election
If you’re reading this, it’s not too late to head to the polls on Tuesday, April 7, for local elections in Missouri. But time is ticking.
One of the most critical components to this year's election is the vote on the earnings tax imposed by Kansas City. It’s a question that accounts for hundreds of millions of dollars in the city budget, which pays for the day-to-day operation of many of the city’s most basic services.
Other area cities are voting on new mayors, school boards, tax issues and more.
Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day. Here’s what you need to know before you vote.
How do I find my polling place in Missouri?
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.
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.
What time do polls open?
Missouri polls open at 6 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 7.
How do I learn more about what will be on my ballot?
The Kansas City Star has created a voter guide to help readers understand who everyone is on the KC-area ballot. The guide covers elections in Jackson, Clay and Platte counties, as well as the Kansas City earnings tax ballot question. Find it at kansascity.com/voter-guide.
If you also wanted to hear The Star’s editorial boards recommendations and endorsements in key races, that is also available online at kansascity.com/opinion.
What should I bring to the polls?
Registered Missouri voters will need a government-issued photo ID 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
How do I contact my election office?
There are multiple election offices serving residents in the Kansas City area. If you have specific questions about your polling place, operating hours or what else you might need to know ahead of voting, make sure you get in touch with your local election office.
Here’s a look at each election office and how to get in touch with them.
- The Kansas City Election Board oversees elections for Kansas City, Missouri, residents who live south of the river. Phone number: 816-842-4820. Address: 4407 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard., Kansas City, Missouri.
- The Jackson County Election Board manages elections for residents in Jackson County who live outside of Kansas City — like Independence or Raytown. 816-325-4600. 215 N. Liberty, Independence.
- The Cass County Election Authority looks over those south of Jackson County, in cities like Raymore or Belton. 816-380-8102. 102 E. Wall St., Harrisonville.
- The Clay County Election Board focuses on people north of the Missouri River and east of North Platte Purchase Drive. 816-415-8683. 100 W. Mississippi St., Liberty.
- The Platte County Board of Elections is for people who live north of the Missouri River and west of North Platte Purchase Drive. 816-858-4400. 2600 NW Prairie View Road, Platte City.
If you have any trouble voting, you can also reach out to The Star at kcq@kcstar.com.
This story was originally published April 6, 2026 at 5:00 AM.
