Absentee Voting Begins for Clay County Residents

Absentee voting for the April 7, 2026, General Municipal Election in Clay County officially began on Tuesday, February 24.

Eligible voters who are unable to be present on Election Day—whether due to travel, disability or illness, religious commitments, serving as an election worker or first responder, or other reasons outlined in Missouri statute 115.275—can participate by casting their ballots absentee.

Residents may vote absentee in person at the Clay County office located at 100 W. Mississippi St, Liberty, MO 64068, Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Alternatively, voters can request a mail-in absentee ballot by contacting 816-415-8683 or visiting VoteClayCountyMo.gov.

The Absentee Ballot Request Form can be printed and filled out by hand or completed online and printed, but the voter’s original signature is required before submission. Applicants must provide their name, select the election, enter their residential address, and, if needed, a different mailing address.

Additional information such as the last four digits of the Social Security Number, date of birth, and a contact phone number is required. Every application must include the reason for absentee voting and be signed by the applicant; a marking option is available for voters with disabilities unable to sign.

Completed absentee ballots can be returned by mail or in person. Ballots must be notarized unless the voter is incapacitated or confined due to illness, is a caretaker, or is a military voter.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Clay County Sample Ballots Now Available

The Clay County Board of Election Commissioners has announced that sample ballots can now be viewed for the August 6 election. Sample ballots and other election information can be accessed through VoteClayCountyMo.gov.

The ballot that residents will see in August will have a variety of candidates running in the primary election as well as issues for voters to decide on. Residents will be voting on who will be in the November general election for the office of U.S. Senator, U.S Representative, MO Governor, MO Lt. Governor, MO Secretary of State, MO Treasurer, MO Attorney General. State Senator, and State Representative.

Issues on the ballot for the Kearney area include Constitutional Amendment number 1 which involves the access of childcare, and Constitutional Amendment number 4 which would establish minimum funding for the Kansas City, MO Police Department.

The Kearney Fire District also has two questions for voters to answer. Question number 1 involves acquiring a general obligation bond to fund a new fire station, equipment, and vehicles. Question number 2 asks voters for a half-cent sales tax for the operation of the district including a new fire station. Both questions must be approved by voters for the initiative to go forward.

Official language of issues and a list of candidates on the ballot can be seen under the Voting Information tab at VoteClayCountyMo.gov.

Brian Watts contributed to this story.