Johnson County voters to decide on sales tax continuation
Published 11:00 pm Thursday, October 29, 2026
JOHNSON COUNTY — Johnson County voters will decide on the continuation of a sales tax of one-eighth of 1% during the Tuesday, Nov. 3, General Election.
The issue, titled Johnson County Sales Tax Continuation, provides funding to the general revenue of the county and designates funds to the operation and maintenance of the Old Drum Animal Shelter.
The tax was first approved by voters April 6, 2021, with a sunset date of Dec. 31, 2026.
The ballot language states “Shall Johnson County continue and extend the existing countywide sales tax of one-eighth (1/8) of one percent (1%), for the purpose of providing funding to the general revenue of the county for purposes to include, but not limited to, operations and maintenance of an animal shelter, to expire on December 31, 2031?”
If the question is approved, the tax would be extended until Dec. 31, 2031. A denial would leave the tax to expire at the end of 2026.
The item is the lone local ballot initiative that Johnson County voters will decide upon.
There are five state-wide issues.
Constitutional Amendment No. 3 relates to reproductive healthcare rights, including abortion through fetal viability, along with gender transition procedures for minors.
Constitutional Amendment No. 6 expands the initiative and referendum petition process by making it a fundamental right and limit lawmakers’ power to change voter-approved laws, Constitutional Amendment No. 7 asks for the establishment of a public endowment fund to support state government instead of taxing Missouri residents, Constitutional Amendment No. 8 creates a constitutional sheriff and Proposition A relates to which congressional district map should be used.
Voters in Missouri House of Representatives District 54 will vote on Brandon Phelps – R or Taigan Plummer – D. Missouri House of Representatives District 57 will vote on Matt Sergent – R or Michael D. Walbom – D.
The entirety of the county will decide on U.S. Representative District 4, which includes Mark Alford – R; Jordan Herrera – D and Thomas Holbrook – L.
There are several unopposed races within Johnson County’s Government, with Presiding Commissioner Troy Matthews, County Clerk Diane Thompson, Circuit Clerk Marcy Anderson, Recorder of Deeds Stormy Taylor, Prosecuting Attorney Rob Russell, County Auditor Chad Davis and Collector of Revenue Laura Smith up for reelection.
Absentee voting continues through Nov. 2
Voting runs Monday through Friday at Reese Elementary School, 301 W. Market. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Hours are also available 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m Saturday, Oct. 31.
Polling places will be open 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on election day. Verify your polling location online at https://voteroutreach.sos.mo.gov/portal/.
