Kansas vote could ignite a nationwide shift to electing state high courts

Kansas voters will decide whether to amend the state constitution to replace the Missouri Plan nominating process with direct elections for the Kansas Supreme Court. Supporters say it would give “we the people” a say in selecting justices, while critics fear it would undermine judicial independence and fuel nationwide politicization of state courts. The campaign has drawn more than $12 million from groups on both sides, as Kansas’ move is framed within a broader national trend seen in Ohio, Wisconsin and potentially Montana.