Kansas voters are scheduled to consider an August 2026 constitutional amendment that would replace the state’s merit-selection and retention system for Supreme Court justices with direct elections. Under the current system, a nominating commission recommends candidates, the governor appoints a justice, and voters later decide whether to retain that justice. Supporters of elections emphasize direct accountability. Opponents warn that campaigns could increase partisan pressure and dependence on political donors. Merit selection uses a screening body to recommend judicial candidates based on qualifications before an appointment is made. Judges exercise public power and need accountability, but their job is not to promise voters a result. The selection method should reward competence without turning every major case into campaign advertising.