Kansas voters rejected a proposed constitutional change that would have allowed state Supreme Court justices to be elected, according to election results reported by Reuters. The outcome preserves the existing approach to selecting members of the state’s highest court.
The measure put the role of voters in choosing judges at the center of a broader debate over judicial accountability and independence. Supporters of electing justices have argued that voters should have a direct say in who serves on the court, while opponents have raised concerns about making judicial decisions more vulnerable to political pressure.
The result came amid a broader election that included contests for legislative and local offices, as well as other ballot measures. The rejection marks another setback for efforts to change how Kansas Supreme Court justices are selected and leaves the current system in place.
Related Coverage
- Kansas voters reject electing state Supreme Court justices as constitutional amendment fails
- GOP lawmakers keep trying to defang voters in their own states
- Abortion Foes Backed Ballot Measures in 2 Red States. Voters Said No.
- Wikle cruises to victory over Democratic challenger who had ties to Communist party; House race in Eudora too close to call