Exciting Insights from the 2024 Election: What Kansas City Voters Said!
Hey there, Kansas City! The buzz from the recent 2024 elections is still swirling, and the statistics are painting quite the picture of how residents made their voices heard. Let’s dig into some fascinating data that unravels not just who won, but also how voters across Missouri and Kansas expressed their opinions!
1. A Unique Political Mix
In a surprising twist, five counties in Missouri—Jackson, Clay, Platte, Buchanan, and St. Charles—voted for Amendment 3 to restore abortion rights while also supporting the Donald Trump/JD Vance presidential ticket. This interesting mix highlights the complexity of voter priorities these days!
2. Big Bucks for Schools
Speaking of voter priorities, Kansas City, Kansas, public schools are getting a much-needed boost! Thanks to a recent bond measure that saw around 68% support, the district can now sell $180 million in bonds to revitalize worn-out school buildings. And here’s the kicker—it won’t raise property taxes, unlike a prior $420 million measure that fell flat earlier in the year!
3. A Tight Race in Shawnee County
Over in Shawnee County, where Topeka is located, it was a nail-biter! The Democratic duo of Kamala Harris and Tim Walz emerged victorious by only 349 votes. It truly underscores how each vote counts and the heightened stakes in our local elections.
4. A Historic Win for Diversity
Here’s another milestone: before the 2024 elections, Missouri had ZERO people of color elected to statewide office. That all changed with Vivek Malek winning the race for state treasurer, making him the first of his kind in that role. Cheers to diversity and representation!
5. Voter Turnout Trends
On a less rosy note, the Kansas City Election Board’s jurisdiction saw 53.95% turnout, marking the lowest rate since 1996. This number calls into question whether voters felt engaged or inspired enough to hit the polls.
6. Sheriff’s Office Shake-Up
In another exciting development, Byron Roberson won the job of sheriff in Johnson County—making him the first Democratic sheriff elected after a dry spell lasting 96 years! Not only that, but he’s also the county’s first Black sheriff. Talk about making history!
7. Raise the Minimum Wage!
Get ready to mark your calendars because Missouri is on its way to raising the statewide minimum wage to $13.75 starting January 1, 2025. Following the approval of Proposition A with 57.56% of the votes, employers will also have to provide paid sick leave. So, how does that stack up against Kansas’ stagnant $7.25 minimum wage?
8. Local Support for Wage Increases
Speaking of wages, 29 counties and cities in Missouri showed overwhelming support for Proposition A, which is great news for workers looking for better pay and benefits!
9. Rural Republicans Stand Strong
In the deep heart of rural Wright County, a whopping 87.4% of voters cast their ballots for Trump, the most robust support for the Republican ticket statewide. The county also exhibited fierce opposition to Amendment 3, with only 20.4% in favor of restoring abortion rights.
10. Political Landscape Stability
Finally, after Allyson Berberich’s win in District 1, the three-member Platte County Commission is now 100% in Republican hands. She clinched victory with 53.52% of the vote, defeating her Democratic counterpart.
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it, folks! The 2024 election results tell a rich story of shifting trends, historical milestones, and community concerns that are reshaping our political landscape. If you have any questions or just want to chat more about what’s happening in Kansas City or beyond, feel free to reach out!
