Kansas City’s 2024 Black Voter Guide

We decide our future–beyond the ballot.

The Kansas City Defender is excited to be enhancing our political coverage for you this year; beyond the presidential election, Missouri and Kansas will be specifically deciding its school boards, senators, governor and more. For us however, while we view participation in electoral politics as crucial, we do not view it as the sole avenue for our community’s political and democratic expression. Our reporting provides holistic coverage and analysis of our community’s democratic expression beyond the ballot box, and so will our 2024 Kansas City Voter Guide. 

Learn more >

Here’s The Defender’s
Kansas City Voter Guide
and overview of our 2024 election coverage.

Election day is Nov. 5, 2024

Our 2024 Election Coverage

Keeping you up-to-date on the most pressing political issues affecting the City of Fountains.

Fight Back Against Wage Slavery! The Fast-Food Industry’s Exploitation of Black & Low-Wage Workers

By Lynnie Holl

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Politics

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October 25, 2024

The fast-food industry thrives on the exploitation of Black people and low-wage workers. Fran Marion & Stand Up KC are fighting back with the Healthy Families and Fair Wages campaign — demanding an end to wage slavery and challenging the greedy executives that keep them underpaid, overworked, and subjected to dangerous, inhumane conditions.

The Diverging Paths of Cori Bush and Wesley Bell: Following the Money Trail to Missouri’s 1st Congressional District Race

By Lynnie Holl

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2024 Elections

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July 26, 2024

The impending primary election in Missouri’s 1st Congressional District offers the voters of St. Louis a choice between a vocal advocate for the people and a prosecutor beholden to paid interests.

Special action honoring Palestinian American Medical Association withdrawn from Kansas City Council amid anti-Palestinian bias

By Lynnie Holl

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Politics

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May 30, 2024

Following “unexpected contention” regarding the recognition of the Palestinian American Medical Association (PAMA) for their work in Palestine, PAMA has asked the Kansas City Council to withdraw the planned vote on the Special Action resolution.

Missouri Supreme Court Voids 2022 Vote on Kansas City Police Funding, Orders New Election for November

By Lynnie Holl

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2024 Elections

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May 3, 2024

The 2022 measure ballot that would require Kansas City to increase police funding from the constitutional mandated 20% to 25% has been deemed invalid by the Missouri Supreme Courts–due to an incorrect fiscal note on the ballot.

Denying Essential Healthcare: Missouri’s Republican Controlled Legislature Blocks Medicaid Funds for Planned Parenthood 

By Lonyae Coulter

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Politics

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April 25, 2024

The decision by Missouri lawmakers to block Medicaid funding for Planned Parenthood has dealt a devastating blow to supporters of abortions.

KC City Council Neglects Funding Transportation System Despite Mass Community Outcry

By Lynnie Holl

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Politics

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April 15, 2024

City Council’s $2.3 billion budget was approved four weeks after community members packed City Hall Chambers to demand Better Buses, but the approved does not include new money for public transit.

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How to vote in Missouri + Kansas

Early Voting in Kansas

Early voting, also referred to as advanced voting, allows voters to cast their ballots in person before the designated election day.

In-person advancing voting in Kansas begins Oct. 16 for the general election and the deadline is Nov. 4 by 12PM. If you’re casting your votes by mail before election day, you need to fill out an application for an advance ballot and provide your driver’s license number or a copy of your photo ID. Remember to submit your advance voting application to your county election official by July 30 for the 2024 primary election and Oct. 29 for the 2024 general election.

Application for Advance Voting by Mail for Kansas

Absentee Voting in Missouri

Voting by absentee ballot enables voters to participate in an election without physically going to a polling location or vote center. Whether you are unable to be present at your designated polling place for any reason, you have the option to cast your vote at a more convenient time using an absentee ballot. 

Prior to the election or when requesting an absentee ballot to be returned by mail, absentee voters are required to provide justifications for voting absentee. 

Find more info on the required justifications for voting absentee in Missouri on the state elections website. >

Voters in Missouri have the option to obtain absentee ballots from their local election authority through various methods such as in-person, by mail, by fax, or by email. Additionally, relatives within the second degree, including spouses, parents, and children, are allowed to submit an absentee ballot application on behalf of the voter seeking to vote absentee.

• Request for Missouri Absentee Ballot
• Find Local Election Authority to obtain Absentee Ballot 
• Missouri sample ballot

Upcoming Elections

Election Dates 

• Aug. 5 – Missouri State Primary Election 
• Aug. 6 – Kansas State Primary Election 
• Nov. 5 – General Election (Missouri gubernatorial election – elect governor)

The Missouri governor election in 2024 is Nov. 5 2024. It will coincide with the 2024 U.S. presidential election, along with elections for the Senate, House of Representatives, and other state and local positions. 

More information about Missouri’s gubernatorial elections coming soon.