On August 4, 2026, Kansas voters will decide one of the most significant constitutional questions to appear on the ballot in decades.

The proposed constitutional amendment would abolish Kansas' merit selection system for Kansas Supreme Court justices and replace it with direct elections of justices. You can view the constitutional amendment language as it appears on the ballot here - https://www.sos.ks.gov/elections/26elec/2026-Primary-Election-Constitutional-Amendment-Judicial%20Election.pdf

The Kansas Bar Association has maintained a longstanding policy supporting merit selection as the best method for selecting Kansas Supreme Court justices. Since the adoption of the merit selection system in 1958, the KBA has consistently supported a process that emphasizes professional qualifications, integrity, judicial temperament, and independence over political influence.

An independent judiciary is essential to the rule of law. Merit selection helps ensure that Kansas Supreme Court justices are chosen because they are the most qualified individuals to serve—not because they raised the most money, received the most political endorsements, or ran the most effective political campaign.

As the election approaches, the KBA continues its efforts to educate lawyers and the public about the importance of preserving an impartial judiciary. Throughout July, Kansans will see additional educational materials, community presentations, and a statewide media campaign focused on explaining what is at stake with this constitutional amendment.

Learn More About Merit Selection
If you have not yet watched retired Kansas Supreme Court Justice Carol Beier discuss Kansas' merit selection system, I encourage you to take a few minutes to do so.

Justice Beier explains why merit selection has served Kansas well and why judicial independence matters to every Kansan—not just lawyers.

Watch Justice Carol Beier's presentation here: Justice Carol Beier on Kansas Merit Selection

How You Can Help
Education is the key to ensuring voters understand this constitutional amendment before they cast their ballots.

Our friends at Kansas United for Impartial Courts (KUIC) are conducting volunteer activities across Kansas to educate voters about the amendment. Volunteers of every experience level are welcome, and every event begins with a brief training session, so participants have the information and confidence needed to speak with fellow Kansans.

The KBA is excited to partner with KUIC for a Topeka canvass on Sunday, July 12, with volunteer shifts available from:

10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Sign up for the Sunday, July 12 Topeka canvass here: KUIC Topeka Sunday Canvass

To view additional volunteer opportunities through KUIC's volunteer page visit: Kansas United for Impartial Courts Volunteer Opportunities

If you cannot participate in person, KUIC also hosts virtual phone banks that allow volunteers to participate from anywhere in Kansas.

Virtual phone banks are offered:

Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday: 6:00–8:30 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 1:00–3:30 p.m.

Whether this is your first volunteer event or you've participated in voter outreach before, training and support are provided every step of the way.

Every Conversation Matters
Constitutional amendments often receive less attention than candidate races, making voter education especially important. Many Kansans will encounter this question for the first time when they receive their ballot.

You can make a difference by:

Learning about Kansas' merit selection system by sharing the KBA sponsored website www.yourkansasjudges.org
Sharing accurate information with friends, family, and colleagues.
Volunteering to help educate voters.
Encouraging Kansans to vote on August 4.

The Kansas Bar Association has long believed that an independent judiciary is fundamental to preserving the rule of law and maintaining public confidence in our courts. We hope you will join us in helping Kansans understand the importance of protecting our merit selection system.

Together, we can help ensure Kansas continues selecting Supreme Court justices based on qualifications, integrity, and professional excellence.

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