Kansas Citians will have a chance to exercise their civic rights on Tuesday, November 8, for the general election. On Election Day, polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Bring an approved voter identification (ID) such as a non-expired Missouri driver’s license or non-driver’s license, a non-expired U.S. Military or military veteran’s ID, a non-expired U.S. passport, or another photo ID issued by the state of Missouri or the U.S. that is either not expired or expired after the date of the most recent general election.

Missouri voters may cast in-person absentee ballots without providing an excuse during the two weeks prior to Election Day. Check kceb.org for locations and times, or call 816-842-4820.

In the following pages, the Northeast News has provided information on candidates and other ballot measures for Northeast Kansas City voters. Please note your polling location may have changed.

For other election questions, contact the Secretary of State at sos.mo.gov/elections or 573-751-2301.

WHERE DO I VOTE?

Ward 2 –

WAYNE MINER COURT,
1940 E. 11TH ST.,

LINCOLN MIDDLE SCHOOL,
2012 E. 23RD ST.,

MT. PLEASANT BAPTIST CHURCH,
2200 OLIVE ST.

Ward 11 –

GARRISON CENTER,
1124 E. 5TH ST.,

SONS OF COLUMBUS MEETING HALL,
2415 INDEPENDENCE AVE.

Ward 12 –

GLADSTONE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL,
335 N. ELMWOOD AVE.,

NORTHEAST HIGH SCHOOL
415 VAN BRUNT BLVD.

Ward 13 –

BAHAI FAITH CENTER,
6515 INDEPENDENCE AVE.,

NORTH-EAST LIBRARY,
6000 WILSON AVE

WHO ARE THE CANDIDATES?

U.S. Senator

Eric Schmitt (R) is the current Missouri Attorney General, appointed in 2018 and elected in 2020. He was the Missouri Treasurer from 2016-2018 and State Senator, District 15, from 2008-2016. Schmitt has a J.D. from St. Louis University. His campaign website is schmittforsenate.com.

Trudy Busch Valentine (D) is a nurse and philanthropist. She earned her B.S.N from St. Louis University. Her campaign website is trudybuschvalentine.com.

Jonathan Dine (L) is running for election to the U.S. Senate to represent Missouri. He did not respond to League of Women Voters or Ballotpedia candidate surveys.

Paul Venable (C) has experience as an information technology consultant. His campaign website is youwinmissouri.org.

State Auditor

The Office of State Auditor acts as Missouri’s independent watchdog agency, working to ensure the proper use of public funds and to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of Missouri government. This is achieved through auditing of state agencies, boards and commissions, the circuit court system, the counties in Missouri that do not have a county auditor and other political subdivisions upon request.

Scott Fitzpatrick (R) is Missouri’s current State Treasurer, elected in 2019, and a business owner. He was State Representative, District 158, from 2013-2019. He earned a B.A. from the University of Missouri-Columbia in business. His campaign website is ScottFitzpatrick.com.

Alan Green (D) is the owner and president of Alan Green and Associates. Green served as State Representative, District 67, from 2014-2021. He has a Ph.D. from United Theological Seminary Survine Bible College of Saint Louis. Green’s campaign website is alankgreen.com.

John A. Hartwig, Jr. (L) is a Certified Public Accountant. He has a B.S. from Washington University. His campaign website is jhartwigcpa.com.

U.S. Representative

U.S. Representative 5th District

Members of the U.S. House of Representatives introduce bills and resolutions, offer amendments and serve on committees. The special duties of the House include the power to initiate bills to collect tax money and other revenue, the ability to impeach federal officials and the duty to elect the president if there is a tie in the electoral college. Congressmen and congresswomen serve two-year terms and are paid $174,000 per year.

Jacob Turk (R) is a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps. After he was honorably discharged, Turk attended college on the G.I. Bill and earned a Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Missouri – Kansas City. Turk started and ran a custom software business, then worked for the National Associations of Insurance Commissioners as a programmer and analyst in their research department. His campaign website is jacobturkforcongress.com.

Emanuel Cleaver, II (D) is the incumbent Fifth District Congressman for Missouri, first elected in 2005. Prior to his election to the U.S. House, Cleaver served as the mayor of Kansas City from 1991 to 1999. He was the first African-American mayor of Kansas City. He also served on the Kansas City Council from 1979 to 1991. Cleaver graduated from Prairie View A&M University and received a Master of Divinity degree from St. Paul School of Theology. He served as the Senior Pastor at St. James United Methodist Church from 1973 to 2009. His campaign website is cleaverforcongress.com.

Robin Dominick (L) is running for election to the U.S. Congress to represent District 5. She did not respond to League of Women Voters or Ballotpedia candidate surveys.

State Representative

Members of the Missouri House of Representatives are charged with proposing, debating and voting on legislation and with representing constituents in their districts. There are 163 House districts in the state. State representatives serve two-year terms and are paid $35,915 per year plus a per diem.

State Representative 19th District

Karen I. Spalding (R) is the Jackson County Republican Committee, Ward #15. Her campaign website is spalding4missouri.red.

Ingrid Burnett (D) is the incumbent District 19 State Representative, first elected in 2017. She has also served as a Jackson County Democratic Committeewoman. A retired teacher, Burnett earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Missouri – Kansas City and a graduate degree from Avila University. Her campaign website is INGRIDBURNETT.COM.

State Representative 23rd District

Michael L. Johnson (D) is the incumbent District 23 State Representative, first elected in 2021. Johnson served in the U.S. Army. His career experience includes working as an insurance agent with the Johnson Hazley Agency. He is running unopposed. His campaign website is michaelformissouri.com.

Jackson County Executive

The County Executive acts as Jackson County’s chief administrative officer. Elected by a County-wide vote, the Executive serves four-year terms and appoints the directors of the County’s departments, excluding the County Auditor and County Clerk. As part of Jackson County’s system of checks and balances, the Legislature appoints both the Clerk and Auditor.

Theresa Cass Galvin (R) has served as 6th District Jackson County Legislator for the past eight years. Her work experience includes 30 years in business management and ownership within the construction industry. Galvin’s campaign website is theresacassgalvin.com.

Frank White, Jr. (D) is the incumbent Jackson County Executive, 2016. He served on the Jackson County Legislature, representing the 1st District At-Large, beginning in 2014. He attended Lincoln High School in Kansas City, then worked as a union laborer. White played for the Kansas City Royals, earning eight Gold Gloves and five All-Star appearances during his 18 seasons with the team. His campaign website is citizensforfrankwhite.com.

County Legislature

Three Legislators are elected from larger at-large districts, while six are elected to represent smaller districts. The Legislative branch’s duties include introducing and enacting all County ordinances and resolutions, subject to the approval of the County Executive.

County Legislator – 1st District

Christina McDonough Hunt’s (R) professional experience includes working as a development director and fundraising for nonprofits. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Central Missouri State University in and a bachelor’s degree from the International Academy of Design and Technology. Her campaign website is christinamcdonoughhunt.com.

Manuel “Manny” Abarca IV (D) currently serves as the Treasurer of the Kansas City Public School Board and the Jackson County Democratic Committee. He received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Central Missouri and is pursuing his Doctorate from Mizzou. Previously, he served on the Guadalupe Center Educational Systems Board of Directors and serves or has served on the Board of Directors for many local nonprofits. He also represents the 12th Ward on the Jackson County Democratic Committee and is on the executive board of the Missouri Democratic Party as the Secretary. His campaign website is mannyabarca.com.

County Legislator – 2nd District

Venessa Huskey (D) is the current Democratic Committeewoman for the 23rd District. Huskey has eight years’ experience serving the Kansas City area as a neighborhood and community liaison. Huskey has a B.A. and M.A. from UMKC. Her campaign website is huskey4jacksoncounty@gmail.com

County Legislator – 3rd District

April LaJune McGill (R) is running for election to the Jackson County Legislature to represent District 3. She did not respond to League of Women Voters or Ballotpedia candidate surveys.

Charlie Franklin (D) is a member of the Jackson County Legislature, representing District 3, first elected in 2019. Franklin is running for re-election to the Jackson County Legislature to represent District 3 in Missouri.

County Legislator – 2nd District At-Large

John J. Murphy (R) is running for election to the Jackson County Legislature to represent District 2 At-Large. He did not respond to League of Women Voters or Ballotpedia candidate surveys.

Donna Peyton (D) currently sits on the Raytown, Mo., School Board. A single mother, she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Biblical Studies and is a lifelong union member. Peyton has experience bringing diverse groups of people together in coalitions to solve problems. Her campaign website is peytonforjackson.com.

For information about judges, please visit
yourmissourijudges.org

WHAT ARE THE QUESTIONS?

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT NO. 1

Proposed by the 101st General Assembly
(First Regular Session)
HCS HJR 35

Do you want to amend the Missouri Constitution to:
• allow the General Assembly to override the current constitutional restrictions of state investments by the state treasurer; and
• allow state investments in municipal securities possessing one of the top five highest long term ratings or the highest short term rating?
State governmental entities estimate no costs and increased interest revenue of $2 million per year. Local governmental entities estimate no costs and increased interest revenue of at least $34,000 per year.

Fair Ballot Language:

A “yes” vote will amend the Missouri Constitution to grant the General Assembly statutory authority to invest state funds and also expand the state treasurer’s investment options. Currently the Constitution grants the General Assembly no statutory investment authority and limits the treasurer’s investment options. This amendment will allow the General Assembly by statute to determine investment avenues for the state treasurer to invest state funds, as well as allow the state treasurer to invest in municipal securities.
A “no” vote will not amend the Missouri Constitution and limit the treasurer to investing state funds only in those investment options currently approved by the Constitution.
If passed, this measure will have no impact on taxes.

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT NO. 3

Proposed by Initiative Petition

Do you want to amend the Missouri Constitution to:
• remove state prohibitions on purchasing, possessing, consuming, using, delivering, manufacturing, and selling marijuana for personal use for adults over the age of twenty-one;
• require a registration card for personal cultivation with prescribed limits;
• allow persons with certain marijuana-related non-violent offenses to petition for release from incarceration or parole and probation and have records expunged;
• establish a lottery selection process to award licenses and certificates;
• issue equally distributed licenses to each congressional district; and
• impose a six percent tax on the retail price of marijuana to benefit various programs?
State governmental entities estimate initial costs of $3.1 million, initial revenues of at least $7.9 million, annual costs of $5.5 million, and annual revenues of at least $40.8 million. Local governments are estimated to have annual costs of at least $35,000 and annual revenues of at least $13.8 million.

Fair Ballot Language:

A “yes” vote will amend the Missouri Constitution to remove state prohibitions on the purchase, possession, consumption, use, delivery, manufacture, and sale of marijuana for personal use for adults over the age of twenty-one.
The amendment would also allow individuals with certain marijuana-related offenses to petition for release from prison or parole and probation and have their records expunged; along with imposing a six percent tax on the retail price of recreational marijuana.
A “no” vote will not amend the Missouri Constitution and the sale and use of marijuana for recreational purposes will remain prohibited under current law. Medical marijuana would remain unchanged.
If passed, this measure will impose a 6 percent tax on the retail price of recreational marijuana.

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT NO. 4

Proposed by the 101st General Assembly
(Second Regular Session)
SS2 SJR 38

Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to authorize laws, passed before December 31, 2026, that increase minimum funding for a police force established by a state board of police commissioners to ensure such police force has additional resources to serve its communities?
State and local governmental entities estimate no additional costs or savings related to this proposal.

Fair Ballot Language:

A “yes” vote will amend the Missouri Constitution to allow the general assembly by law to increase the minimum funding for a police force established by the state board of police commissioners to ensure such police force has additional resources to serve its communities. Currently the only police force established by the state board of police commissioners is found in Kansas City, Missouri.
A “no” vote will not amend the Missouri Constitution regarding the funding for a police force established by the state board of police commissioners.
If passed, this measure will have no impact on taxes.

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT NO. 5

Proposed by the 101st General Assembly
(Second Regular Session)
HJR 116

Shall the Missouri National Guard currently under the Missouri Department of Public Safety be its own department, known as the Missouri Department of the National Guard, which shall be required to protect the constitutional rights and civil liberties of Missourians?
State governmental entities estimate no savings and ongoing costs of $132,000 annually. Local governmental entities estimate no costs or savings.

Fair Ballot Language:

A “yes” vote will amend the Missouri Constitution to create the Missouri Department of the National Guard as a new state agency, headed by an adjutant general appointed by and serving at the pleasure of the governor by and with the advice and consent of the senate.
A “no” vote will not amend the Missouri Constitution regarding the National Guard.
If passed, this measure will have no impact on taxes.

CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION

Submitted by John R. Ashcroft, Secretary of State, State of Missouri
Shall there be a convention to revise and amend the Constitution?

Fair Ballot Language:

A “yes” vote will require the governor to call an election of delegates to serve at a convention for the purpose of revising or amending the Missouri Constitution. Any revisions or amendments will then be put to a vote of the people for their consideration.
A “no” vote will mean no constitutional convention will be held.
If passed, this measure will have no impact on taxes.

JACKSON COUNTY QUESTION NO. 1

Shall Jackson County, solely for the purpose of continuing its Community Children’s Services Fund to provide services to protect the well-being and safety of children and youth nineteen years of age or less and to strengthen families, be authorized to extend its countywide sales tax, at the rate of one-fourth of one cent? This Fund will continue to be transparently administered in a manner independent of Jackson County government, by a diverse, geographically representative, nine-member citizen board appointed by the County Executive, with at least one member residing in each County legislative district. Revenues will be solely used to benefit the residents of Jackson County.

KANSAS CITY QUESTION NO. 1

Shall the City of Kansas City, Missouri issue its general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $125,000,000.00 for the purpose of paying for the acquisition, construction, renovation, improvement, equipping, and furnishing of City parks, recreation, and entertainment facilities?
The authorization of the bonds will authorize the City to maintain tangible property tax rates sufficient to pay the interest and principal on the bonds until fully paid.

KANSAS CITY QUESTION NO. 2

Shall the City of Kansas City, Missouri issue its general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $50,000,000.00 for the purpose of affordable housing through the rehabilitation, renovation, and construction of houses and buildings, including blight removal, to provide affordable housing for very low- to moderate-income households?
The authorization of the bonds will authorize the City to maintain tangible property tax rates sufficient to pay the interest and principal on the bonds until fully paid.

KANSAS CITY QUESTION NO. 3

Should the City of Kansas City remove two tracts of land totaling approximately 11.858 acres from the parks system consisting of the right of way for the proposed Tiffany Springs Parkway between NW Prairie View Road to Amity Avenue for the purpose of realignment of the proposed Tiffany Springs Parkway and authorize the City to convey said property for such terms and consideration including accepting new right of way as the City may determine acceptable.