Missouri Primary Guide

The Missouri primary is Aug. 6, 2024, and The Beacon is here to bring context and help you feel prepared as you head to the polls.

Key dates leading up to the 2024 Missouri primary 

June 25: Absentee voting begins in Missouri
July 10: Missouri voter registration deadline for the primary
July 23: No-excuse in-person absentee voting begins with photo ID
July 24: Last day to request an absentee ballot by mail
Aug. 6: Primary election day. Polling places open at 6 a.m. and remain open until 7 p.m. Remember if you are in line at 7 p.m. you are allowed to vote.

Looking for a comprehensive guide to the 2024 election? The Kansas City Media Collective, in partnership with The Kansas City Star, has gathered all the information you need to vote in Jackson, Johnson, Clay, Platte and Wyandotte counties. It’s entirely free, and written in concise, easy-to-understand language. Find that guide here.

Missouri Amendment 4 

When Missourians head to the polls on Aug. 6 they will see Missouri Amendment 4 on the ballot. A “yes” vote would force Kansas City to spend at least 25% of its general revenue on the police department. That affects funding for the Kansas City Police Department. Why does Missouri control Kansas City’s police budget? Read our reporting about this.

• New lawsuit challenges state control of Kansas City police in federal court
• State control of Kansas City’s police has roots in the Civil War
• Inside the legal standoff over Kansas City police funding
• The informal workings of Kansas City’s state-appointed police board
• Follow the money: Police budget raises a $5.6 million question
• Kansas City’s police budget can be a mystery — even to the mayor

Leading up to the election, our statehouse reporters will be sharing updates through our newsletters, and our election reporting will also be featured in our weekly newsletter. All of our newsletters are free. Sign up to stay informed.