Kansas voters nix plan to elect state Supreme Court justices

Kansas voters rejected a constitutional amendment that would have replaced the current appointment and retention system for the state Supreme Court with direct statewide elections, preserving the nominating commission and governor appointment process. Opponents warned that elections would politicize the court and threaten abortion rights and school funding; supporters argued it would give Kansans a direct voice. The Associated Press called the vote, with Planned Parenthood and educators praising the outcome.