Upcoming Elections in St. Joseph, Mo. Set for 2026

Strategic Insights -

Voters in St. Joseph, Mo. can look forward to casting their ballots in early 2026, with the Primary Election scheduled for February 3 and the General Election on April 7 of the same year. The elections will feature contested races for mayor, city council, and judge, with various requirements and qualifications in place for candidates.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Primary Election for mayor, city council, and judge will take place on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, while the General Election will be held on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
  • Candidates for mayor and city council must be qualified city voters and residents of St. Joseph for at least one year prior to the election.
  • District councilmembers must be residents of their district for at least six months prior to the election.
  • The judge, mayor, and four at-large councilmembers will serve four-year terms, while the four district councilmembers will serve an initial two-year term.
  • The judge must be at least 25 years old, licensed to practice law in Missouri, and a resident of St. Joseph for one year prior to the election.
  • No person who is in arrears to the city can hold office in the city government.
  • Petitions for candidates must be signed by at least 75 qualified district voters for district council positions and filed between October 7 and October 28.

Statistics:

  • The Primary Election will be held on Tuesday, February 3, 2026.
  • The General Election will take place on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
  • Four-year terms for the judge, mayor, and at-large councilmembers will commence in 2026.
  • Two-year terms for district councilmembers will begin in 2026, with the next election set for 2028.
  • Candidates need to be at least 25 years old to hold the office of judge.
  • 75 qualified district voters must sign petitions for district council candidates.
  • Petitions for all candidates must be filed between October 7 and October 28, 2025.

Sources:

  • News-Press NOW
  • The City Clerk's office at Room 303 in City Hall, located at 1100 Frederick Ave, St. Joseph, Mo.
  • 816-271-4731