The Aug. 4 primary elections will allow voters in Moundridge and throughout McPherson County to help shape the political landscape for local and state offices and for the future of the Kansas Supreme Court.
While primary elections often attract lower turnout than November general elections, this year’s ballot includes a proposed amendment to the Kansas Constitution that could fundamentally change how justices on the state’s highest court are selected.
Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Aug. 4.
Moundridge-area voters—which includes voting precincts and district residents for the City of Moundridge, Meridian Township, Mound Township and Turkey Creek-423—can cast their ballots at the Northridge Community Center, located at 612 N. Christian Ave.
Advanced voting begins July 15, and Kansas residents have until July 14 to register to vote or update their voter registration information.
Kansas conducts partisan primary elections, meaning voters registered with a political party generally vote only in that party’s primary contests. The election will determine which Republican and Democratic candidates advance to the Nov. 3 general election.
More details can be found on the McPherson County Clerk’s voting information webpage. Hollie Melory, McPherson County Clerk, oversees elections and voting for the county.
State-wide election information is available on Kansas Secretary of State Office’s “Important Election Dates” webpage.
Individuals can view their sample ballots and polling locations via the Secretary of State’s VoterView portal.
In addition to local races, voters will select party nominees for statewide offices, including governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, secretary of state, state treasurer and insurance commissioner.
National congressional and legislative races also will appear on the ballot.
However, the constitutional amendment concerning the Kansas Supreme Court will receive significant attention across the state.
Constitutional change to be decided
The amendment asks voters whether Kansas should abandon its current merit-based judicial selection system and return to the direct election of Kansas Supreme Court justices.
Under the current system, a nine-member Supreme Court Nominating Commission selects three finalists whenever a vacancy occurs, and the governor appoints one of those candidates.
Justices then stand periodically in retention elections.
If approved by voters, the amendment would eliminate the Supreme Court Nominating Commission and establish statewide elections for Supreme Court justices.
Justices would continue serving six-year terms, with elections for the court’s seven positions staggered over multiple election cycles beginning in 2028.
The Legislature would be responsible for establishing additional rules governing those elections.
The proposal has generated debate among elected officials, legal organizations and advocacy groups.
Supporters argue that the amendment would increase accountability by allowing voters to directly choose Supreme Court justices rather than relying on a commission process.
They also note that Kansas selected Supreme Court justices through elections during the state’s first century.
Opponents contend that electing judges could increase political influence and campaign spending in judicial races, potentially affecting the independence of the state’s highest court.
They argue that the current merit-based system helps insulate justices from partisan political pressures.
Unlike candidate races in the primary election, the constitutional amendment is decided by a simple majority of all voters casting ballots on the question, regardless of party affiliation.
McPherson County voters should verify their registration status, confirm their polling location and review sample ballots before Election Day.
All registered voters, regardless of party affiliation, will be eligible to vote on the constitutional amendment.
