The big election is coming in November, but did you know that many of the races are actually decided before the November election? If you wait until November, it will be too late to make a difference in some races.

Dozens of local and state elections will be decided on Tuesday Aug. 6. In many races, the primary winner on Aug. 6 is 99 percent certain to win the November election.

If you want to make a difference, research who is running in the August primary. The Missouri secretary of state webpage has the details for who is running in statewide races along with state rep and state senate. Go to sos.mo.gov/candidatesonweb. (Also candidates were published in the June 12 edition of the Gasconade County Republican.)

Look at the candidate’s voting record and ratings from organizations on issues you care about.

From a liberty perspective, the top issues I look at are; no new taxes, no subsidies, protect your second amendment rights, rein in DESE, empower school choice, support local control and a pledge to protect life from conception.

All 163 Missouri state rep seats are on the ballot for a two year term.

Missouri State Rep. District 2 and District 9 races were decided on the last day of filing. Reps Mazzie Christensen (2) and Dean VanSchoiack (9) have no challenger in the primary or general election. District 2 covers Caldwell, Daviess, Grundy, Harrison and Worth counties. District 9 covers Andrew, Clinton and Dekalb counties.

In Missouri State Rep. District 1, two Republicans filed; Jeff Farnan, incumbent vs. Michelle Horner. The winner for Missouri District 1 will be decided in the primary election on August 6 because no Democrat filed. District 1 covers Atchison, Gentry, Holt and Nodaway counties.

17 of 34 Missouri state senate seats are on the ballot for a 4 year term. In 3 state senate districts, the Democrats have competitive primaries. In 9 state senate districts, the Republicans have competitive primaries.

The open state senate seat in mostly rural District 21 is one of the closest primary races in the state. Historically a safe Republican seat, district 21 covers the counties of Cooper, Howard, Lafayette, Ray, Saline and part of Clay county. Republican State Rep Kurtis Gregory vs. Republican State Rep Doug Richey. The winner of this August 6 Republican Senate primary will likely win on November 5 against Democrat Jim Bates.

For state and local races, the August primary is where you can make the biggest difference in who gets elected. There are quite a range of candidates to choose from ranging from liberal to conservative.

Candidates need three types of support; money, volunteer time and your vote.

Missouri Election calendar:

July 10, 2024 — Last day to register to vote in the August primary election

Aug. 6, 2024 — Primary election to choose party nominees for November election

Oct. 9, 2024—  Last day to register to vote in November general election

Nov. 5, 2024 — General election for national and state races

Next week, we will look at some of the statewide races in Missouri.