On April 7 voters on the Missouri side will make decisions on school boards and taxes. From the Kansas City earnings tax to your local school board, we have guides to help get you ready to vote in Kansas City and Jackson, Clay and Platte counties this spring.
Key dates leading up to the election:
- Last day to register to vote for the April 7 election was March 11.
- Absentee voting with an excuse (in-person) began Feb. 24.
- No-excuse absentee voting begins March 24.
- Absentee ballot request deadline is March 25.
- Absentee ballot return deadline is April 7.
- Absentee ballot return deadline (military and overseas) is April 10.
Check your voter registration and where to vote here.
Kansas City’s earnings tax vote
Kansas City’s 1% earnings tax is up for renewal on the April 7 ballot. A yes vote would keep the tax until 2031. A no vote would permanently eliminate it after a 10-year phase-out.
On the April 7 ballot: Should Kansas City keep its earnings tax?
If the measure passes, Kansas City will continue collecting a 63-year-old tax on Kansas City wages, salaries and profits. If it fails, the city will be forced to find hundreds of millions of dollars — or else make dramatic cuts.
Local school board elections
Four Center School District candidates want your vote April 7
The district is at risk of losing full accreditation if its scores don’t improve. Board candidates explained how they would respond.
Voter guide: Meet your Lee’s Summit school board candidates on the ballot April 7
Lee’s Summit voters will see seven school board candidates competing for three seats on their ballots. We asked them what they plan to do about the district’s most pressing issues.
Meet the candidates for the Independence school board on the April 7 ballot
All four of the candidates would be newcomers to the board.
Meet the North Kansas City school board candidates on the ballot April 7
Three candidates are competing for two spots on the board in 2026.
Voter guide: These Park Hill school board candidates want your vote in 2026
Four candidates are competing for three spots in the April 7 election.
Voter guide: Meet the Blue Springs school board candidates on the April 7 ballot
Five candidates are competing for three seats on the board in spring 2026.
Voter guide: Five Hickman Mills school board candidates are on the April 7 ballot
Three incumbents and two challengers are competing for three spots on the board in 2026.
Local school bond elections
What to know about the $60 million Independence School District bond on the April 7 ballot
Fairmount, Korte and Procter elementary schools are the priorities of the bond issue, but most schools would see some improvements.
Voter guide: Two Hickman Mills ballot questions could help reduce budget deficit
Superintendent Dennis Carpenter said both ballot measures would free up funds for operations and help the district improve financial stability — without raising the tax rate.
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