Jackson County, Missouri Elections: A Guide to the April 7, 2026 Ballot

Missouri voters in Jackson County will head to the polls on April 7, 2026, to decide on a range of local issues, from school board races and municipal leadership to critical funding measures. Here’s a breakdown of what’s on the ballot and key dates for voters.

Key Election Dates

• Voter Registration Deadline: March 11, 2026
• Absentee Voting (with excuse, in-person) Begins: February 24, 2026
• No-Excuse Absentee Voting Begins: March 24, 2026
• Absentee Ballot Request Deadline: March 25, 2026
• Absentee Ballot Return Deadline: April 7, 2026
• Absentee Ballot Return Deadline (Military & Overseas): April 10, 2026
• Polls Open: 6 a.m. To 7 p.m. On Tuesday, April 7, 2026

Voters can verify their registration and find their polling place on the Missouri Secretary of State’s website.

Independence Elections

Independence residents will choose their next mayor and two at-large city council members. The mayoral candidates are Bridget McCandless and Kevin King. Candidates for the two at-large city council seats are incumbent Jared Fears, and challengers Cody Atkinson, Jackie Dorman, and Lucy Young. The two candidates receiving the most votes will win the at-large seats.

Recent debates have centered on tax incentives offered for a proposed data center, which may influence voter decisions. More information on the Independence races is available from KCUR.

Other Jackson County Municipal Elections

Several other cities within Jackson County will also hold elections this spring, including Blue Springs, Grain Valley, Grandview, Greenwood, Lake Lotawana, Lake Tapawingo, Lee’s Summit, Levasy, Lone Jack, Oak Grove, Raytown, River Bend, Sugar Creek, Sibley, and Unity Village.

Platte County Property Tax Credit

Voters in Platte County will consider a homestead property tax credit aimed at limiting annual property tax increases on primary residences. If approved, the program would cap increases at 5% annually for all homeowners in the county, regardless of age.

Kansas City Earnings Tax Renewal

Kansas City is asking voters to renew a 63-year-old earnings tax, which currently provides nearly half of the city’s budget. The 1% tax applies to wages, salaries, and profits. Voters will decide whether to extend the tax for another five years. If rejected, a Missouri law prevents its reinstatement. Further details on the Kansas City earnings tax can be found at KCUR.

School District Elections

Several school districts across Jackson County have elections and bond issues on the ballot.

• Hickman Mills School District: Voters will decide on a $20 million bond issue to address facility debt and building maintenance as the district addresses a budget shortfall. Three school board seats are also up for election. More information on the Hickman Mills School District elections is available from The Beacon.
• Independence School District: Elections will be held.
• Lee’s Summit School District: Elections will be held.
• Center School District: Elections will be held.
• North Kansas City School District: Elections will be held.
• Park Hill School District: Elections will be held.
• Blue Springs School District: Elections will be held.

Jackson County’s Department of Corrections recently celebrated the graduation of its latest Corrections Officers Academy Class at the new Detention Center. More information can be found on the Jackson County website.