Definitions for words and phrases that can make elections confusing. If a word on another page is dotted underlined, it links here.
A question placed on the ballot for voters to decide directly, rather than choosing a candidate. In Kansas, ballot measures are usually proposed changes to the state constitution. They require a majority of votes cast to pass. The SCR 1611 judicial selection amendment on the August 4, 2026 ballot is a ballot measure.
A primary election in which only registered voters of a political party may vote in that party's primary. Kansas has a closed primary system. Only registered Republicans may vote in the Republican primary; only registered Democrats may vote in the Democratic primary. Unaffiliated voters cannot participate unless they register with a party before the deadline.
A geographic area from which an elected official is chosen. Kansas is divided into districts for the U.S. House, Kansas Senate, Kansas House, county commission, and some other offices. Your district depends on your address, not your ZIP code. Use voteks.org to find your exact districts.
The main election in November where the final winner is chosen. In Kansas, the 2026 general election is November 3. The top vote-getters from each party's primary advance to the general election, along with nonpartisan candidates and ballot measures.
The head of a state's executive branch. The Kansas Governor signs or vetoes bills, proposes a state budget, appoints leaders of state agencies, and appoints some members of the Kansas Supreme Court nominating commission. Kansas governors serve four-year terms.
The person currently holding an elected office. An incumbent running for re-election has the advantage of name recognition and a record in office, but voters can also evaluate their actual performance. In 2026, some Kansas offices have incumbents running again and others are open seats because the incumbent cannot or chose not to run.
A method of choosing judges where a nonpartisan nominating commission reviews applicants and recommends finalists to the governor, who appoints one. After serving for a period, the judge faces a noncompetitive retention vote. Kansas currently uses merit selection for its Supreme Court justices. SCR 1611 would replace this with direct partisan elections.
The body that screens applicants and recommends finalists when a judgeship needs to be filled under merit selection. For the Kansas Supreme Court, the commission includes lawyers elected by other lawyers and non-lawyer members appointed by the governor. SCR 1611 would eliminate the Supreme Court nominating commission and let voters choose justices directly.
A race with no incumbent because the current officeholder is not running. Open seats often draw more candidates because there is no sitting official with the advantages of incumbency. Kansas Governor, Secretary of State, and Insurance Commissioner are open seats in 2026.
The smallest geographic voting unit. Your precinct determines your polling place and which ballot you receive. Precincts are also used to organize party committee elections. You can find your precinct on voteks.org or your voter registration card.
An election where each political party chooses which candidate will represent it in the general election. Kansas's 2026 primary is August 4. Because Kansas has a closed primary, only registered party members may vote in their party's primary. The winners advance to the November general election.
A yes-or-no vote on whether a judge should keep their job. Retention votes are nonpartisan and noncompetitive: the judge does not face an opponent, only the question "Should Judge X be retained?" Kansas Supreme Court justices currently face retention votes after being appointed through merit selection. SCR 1611 would end retention votes for Supreme Court justices in favor of partisan elections.
Blocked by law from running for the same office again because the officeholder has already served the maximum number of terms allowed. Kansas limits governors to two consecutive four-year terms. Gov. Laura Kelly is term-limited in 2026, which is why Kansas Governor is an open seat.