The 2026 Kansas Primary - Tuesday, Aug. 4
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Ballot Language:

This amendment gives the voters the right to elect the justices of the Kansas Supreme Court. The justices shall serve terms of six years, with the elections of justice positions 1, 2, and 3 to occur in 2028, positions 4 and 5 to occur in 2030, and positions 6 and 7 to occur in 2032, and every six years thereafter. The rules applicable for such elections and the designation of position numbers shall be provided by law. Any vacancy on the court for an unexpired term shall be filled at an election as provided by law.

A vote for this proposition would give Kansas citizens the right to elect Kansas Supreme Court justices as provided by law. Justices will hold office for terms of six years. The Kansas Supreme Court Nominating Commission, whose membership consists of a majority of lawyers, would be abolished.

A vote against this proposition would continue the current system in which the Kansas Supreme Court Nominating Commission, whose membership consists of a majority of lawyers, provides the governor a list of three individuals to choose from for vacancies on the Kansas Supreme Court. Justices hold office for a term of six years and retain their offices if they win a retention election in which they do not face an opponent.

The current system allows a small, elite group of lawyers to handpick the very justices who will later rule on their high-profile cases. This Insider-controlled process undermines public trust and accountability. In contrast, the proposed system would place that power where it belongs - with the voters. This change would ensure that the courts reflect the values of the people rather than the preferences of a legal elite.

The federal-style model is also problematic. In Kansas, the Court of Appeals uses this approach. Liberal judges often retire under Democratic administrations, resulting in a consistently progressive bench regardless of the political climate. This system is also unpopular with Kansans. Polling shows it has fallen out of favor with voters, likely due to growing frustration with the partisan conflicts surrounding Supreme Court nominations at the national level.

We, the people of Kansas, grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious privileges, in order to insure the full enjoyment of our rights as American citizens, do ordain and establish this constitution of the state of Kansas…”
- Preamble of The Kansas Constitution

A political campaign poster encouraging people to vote yes on August 4th for Kansas' Supreme Court Justices, emphasizing accountability, independence, fairness, and democracy. The poster features bold text, a sunflower, and an image of a government building.

The Sedgwick County Republican Party firmly endorses the vote for this Kansas Constitutional amendment.

PLEASE: “vote YES for this proposition”

— The Sedgwick County Republican Party

“There has been no accountability to the public, and the poor decision making of the court has resulted in the Kansas Supreme Court having the highest reversal rate in the U.S. Supreme Court of any state.” - Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach

“the Kansas Supreme Court selection process is undemocratic, extreme, and secretive.” - Stephen Ware, Professor of Law at the University of Kansas

The Kansas Supreme Court will never be accountable for their decisions, and most importantly it will never represent Kansans or their values under the current selection scheme. - Steve Brunk, City Elders of Kansas Proponent

We, the people of Kansas, grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious privileges, in order to insure the full enjoyment of our rights as American citizens, do ordain and establish this constitution of the state of Kansas…” - Preamble of The Kansas Constitution

Prepare For Your Vote