Buchanan County voter turnout decreases for Municipal Elections, compared to General Elections

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- As the April 7 General Municipal Election approaches, concerns over St. Joseph's voter turnout are arising as engagement continues to drop.

In the City of St. Joseph, about 50.2% of eligible voters showed up for the November 2024 General Election. That’s lower than the average turnout of 61.5% compared to other cities on City Health Dashboard.

Around 21.2% of St. Joseph’s voting-eligible population is between 18 and 29 years old.

Looking more recently, turnout dropped quite a bit in the 2025 General Municipal Election in Buchanan County.

Buchanan County had a total of 49,306 registered voters; however, only 24.2% of voters participated, with only 11,947 ballots cast.

In Buchanan County's February 2026 General Municipal Primary Election, the county recorded 43,531 registered voters, but only 10.48%- or 4,562- showed up to vote.

All together, these numbers paint a picture of fluctuating voter engagement; however, ballot initiatives and age can also play a crucial role in voter turnout during elections.