In a few weeks, the Danforth University Center (DUC) will be filled with students casting their ballot in this year’s midterm elections. In addition to races for the U.S. Congress and the state legislature, students have the opportunity to directly weigh in on hot-button issues affecting Missouri, including abortion access, redistricting, and more. For more information on how to vote, visit WashU Votes.

Here are the races that students voting on campus will see on their ballot:

U.S. House (Missouri’s 1st Congressional District)

Democratic Representative Wesley Bell is running for a second term and again defeated his predecessor, Cori Bush, in the Aug. 4 primary. Bell has emphasized his response to the May 2025 tornado and opposition to President Donald Trump’s agenda. His Republican challenger, Paul Berry III, highlights his strident opposition to socialism. The 1st District includes all of the City of St. Louis and a large portion of the county. 

Amendment 3

In 2024, Missouri voters approved an initiative that reversed the state’s abortion ban. Now, state lawmakers are putting forward an amendment that would reverse that vote and reinstate a ban except in cases of rape, incest, emergencies, and fetal anomalies. Additionally, the amendment would add a constitutional prohibition on gender-affirming procedures for minors, though a ban is already enshrined in state law. 

Amendment 6

This measure would restrict the state legislature’s ability to amend voter-approved initiatives; it would require at least 80% of lawmakers to approve the change, and it would then have to be approved by voters. It also constrains lawmakers’ ability to restrict signature gathering and change the initiative process. The amendment was brought forward by activists concerned by efforts to alter the initiative process.

Amendment 7

In the August primary, voters rejected an amendment that would have phased out the state income tax. This measure would establish the Show-Me Prosperity Fund, an endowment which would accumulate funds until its investment earnings have the ability to replace all state taxes. 

Amendment 8

This amendment would clarify the duties of county sheriffs and require most counties to elect them every four years. 

Proposition A

After the Missouri General Assembly passed a new congressional map last year that would have divided Democratic Representative Emanuel Cleaver’s Kansas City district, organizers successfully gathered enough signatures to halt the map and force a vote on the issue. If passed, this referendum would have the state use the new map in future elections. You can read more about the issue here. 

State Auditor

With Missouri not hosting a U.S. Senate race this year, State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick, a Republican, is the only statewide official up for reelection. He faces Democrat Quentin Wilson, a former Director of the Missouri Department of Revenue. The State Auditor acts as Missouri’s independent watchdog, making sure state funds are being used properly.

State Senator (SD-04)

State Senator Karla May is term-limited. Former State Representative Gina Mitten won the Democratic primary and is unopposed in November. She emphasizes her support of abortion rights and public education improvements. 

State Representative (HD-99)

State Representative Ian Mackey is term-limited after eight years in office. Tori Schafer, an attorney who works at the Missouri American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), won the Democratic primary and is unopposed in the general election. Schafer touts her role in litigation over the congressional map and abortion rights. The 99th District contains the South 40. 

State Representative (HD-86)

State Representative Jeff Hales, a Democrat, is seeking a second term. No candidates opted to challenge him in the primary or in the general election. A former University City Council member, he supports abortion rights and Medicare for All. His district includes The Village, University City, and the Delmar Loop.

State Representative (HD-84)

Democratic State Representative Del Taylor is running for a third term and faces Republican Robert Vroman, a real estate business owner. Taylor, a WashU alumnus, says he has secured over $20 million for the district, which includes part of the East End of campus and Forest Park.