The Jackson County and Kansas City, Missouri, election boards filed a lawsuit Thursday to stop a special Aug. 26 election on the recall of Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr.

The Jackson County Election Board and Kansas City Election Board are seeking a court order to delay a planned Aug. 26 recall election for Frank White.

The governor appointed Jim Martin of Perryville and former Springfield mayor Ken McClure to the Missouri Ethics Commission, giving the panel enough members to be able to meet for the first time since November.

Uncertainty looms on the likelihood of an August election to decide recall of Jackson County executive Frank White Jr.

Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe signed a bill Wednesday that prohibits foreign money from funding ballot issue campaigns, making it the ninth state to enact such legislation.

Throughout the process of pushing H.B. 567 through the Legislature, Missouri Republicans openly voiced contempt for voters who supported the paid sick leave and minimum wage initiative. One GOP lawmaker, state Rep. Mitch Boggs, said, “Of course the people voted for it.”

School districts across Missouri face uncertainty over certification of their bond measures in light of a statute requiring a precise public notice window.

White’s letter to the Jackson County Legislature suggested the recall election be placed on the ballot in August 2026 or November 2026.

The appointments came just days after a report became public criticizing vacancies on the commission, which left the panel unable to conduct investigations, issue fines or hold meetings.