THURSDAY 06/18/2026: How electing supreme court justices could change Kansas

Kansas voters will soon decide if they want to elect justices to the state’s highest court, instead of the current merit-based nomination system. Some former Kansas Supreme Court members worry direct elections could interfere with important decision-making processes.The amendment change would have justices elected by voters instead of appointed by the state. Former Kansas Supreme Court justice Carol Beier warns the advent of political donations could impact how members rule on major issues such as abortion and education funding. Zach Boblitt with the Kansas News Service reportsContact the show at [email protected]. Follow KCUR on Instagram and Facebook for the latest news.Kansas City Today is hosted by Nomin Ujiyediin. It is produced by Seth Jahraus, Byron Love and KCUR Studios, and edited by Gabe Rosenberg, Madeline Fox and Emily Younker.You can support Kansas City Today by becoming a KCUR member: kcur.org/donate.