Monroe County voters will head to the polls on Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026, to cast ballots in Missouri's primary election. Depending on a voter's party affiliation and where they live, ballots will include party primary races, judicial contests, and several statewide constitutional amendments.

Missouri is an open primary state, meaning voters may choose which party's primary ballot they wish to vote, but they may only vote one party's ballot. Voters who do not wish to participate in a party primary may request a nonpartisan ballot, which includes only ballot issues and any nonpartisan races for which they are eligible.

Statewide Constitutional Amendments

When Monroe County voters head to the polls for Missouri's August primary election, they will be asked to decide four proposed constitutional amendments. While some measures affect the entire state, others have more localized impacts. Here's a breakdown of what each amendment would do.

Amendment 1: Continue Funding for State Parks and Conservation

Amendment 1 asks voters whether Missouri should renew the existing one-tenth of one percent (0.1%) sales and use tax for another 10 years.

The tax is not new. Missouri voters first approved it in 1984, and it has been renewed several times since then. Revenue from the tax supports:

A "Yes" vote would continue the current tax through another 10-year period.

A "No" vote would allow the tax to expire when its current authorization ends.

Amendment 2: Elect the Jackson County Assessor

Although Amendment 2 appears on ballots statewide, it specifically affects Jackson County.

Currently, Jackson County is the only Missouri county where the assessor is appointed rather than elected. Amendment 2 would require the county assessor to be elected by voters and establish state training requirements for assessors in charter counties.

The proposal follows controversy over Jackson County's 2023 property assessments, which prompted lawsuits and legislative action.

A "Yes" vote would make the assessor an elected position.

A "No" vote would keep the current appointment system.

Amendment 4: Changes to Missouri's Initiative Petition Process

Amendment 4 proposes significant changes to how Missouri citizens amend the state constitution through initiative petitions.

If approved, future constitutional amendments proposed by citizen petition would have to receive:

The amendment also includes provisions restricting certain foreign financial contributions to initiative petition campaigns.

Supporters say the proposal would ensure constitutional changes have broad statewide support. Opponents argue it would make it much more difficult for citizen-led constitutional amendments to pass.

A "Yes" vote would adopt the new approval requirements.

A "No" vote would leave the current statewide majority requirement unchanged.

Amendment 5: Elimination of Missouri's Individual Income Tax

Amendment 5 is one of the most far-reaching proposals on the ballot.

If approved, it would begin the process of eliminating Missouri's individual income tax and replacing much of that revenue through an expanded sales tax system.

Missouri's individual income tax currently provides a significant portion of the state's general revenue, helping fund public education, transportation, healthcare, public safety, and other state services.

Supporters argue eliminating the income tax would make Missouri more competitive economically and allow residents to keep more of their earnings.

Opponents contend that replacing income tax revenue with higher sales taxes could shift more of the tax burden onto middle-income families and retirees while creating uncertainty for funding essential state services.

A "Yes" vote would begin phasing out the state income tax.

A "No" vote would leave Missouri's current tax structure in place.

All four amendments require a simple majority to pass. While Amendment 2 primarily affects Jackson County, every Missouri voter—including those in Monroe County—will have the opportunity to vote on it because it proposes a change to the Missouri Constitution. Amendments 1, 4, and 5 would have statewide implications if approved.

As with any ballot measure, voters are encouraged to review the official ballot language and research the proposals before casting their vote.

Party Primary Elections-Republican, Democratic, and Libertarian voters will also choose their party nominees for a variety of federal, statewide, legislative, and local offices. The exact races vary depending on the precinct and district in which a voter resides. Those nominations will determine which candidates advance to the November general election.Before You Vote-Monroe County and Ralls County residents are encouraged to review the official sample ballot before Election Day to familiarize themselves with the races and issues that apply to their precinct. The Monroe County Clerk's Office has made sample ballots available online and at the courthouse.

Polls will be open from 6 a.m. until 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 4. Any voter who is in line by 7 p.m. will be allowed to cast a ballot.