Election Day or Election Week? It’s nearly time to say goodbye to all the political ads that have appeared during every commercial break for the past couple of months. Are you going to miss them? What about all the candidate robocalls blowing up your phone? Election Day is finally here on Tuesday. But if you’re planning to host an election night party, you likely won’t be popping champagne by the end of the evening. While the big local races are expected to be called early, a growing number of political experts are advising Americans to be patient when it comes to determining who will be the next occupant of the White House. That’s because some of the key battleground states, including Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, don’t allow election officials to count mail-in ballots or early votes until after the polls close. The TV networks are also reportedly preparing their on-air talent for a long slog. If you cast your mind back to 2020, the presidential race wasn’t called for Joe Biden until Saturday, Nov.7, four days after Election Day. A Voting ‘Tsunami’ This is a stunning stat… More than half of all registered voters have already cast their ballots, either in person or by mail, according to a new Gallup survey. Johnson County Election Commissioner Fred Sherman says they’ve experienced a “tsunami wave” of early voting. But will that translate into higher turnout overall? Some of the region’s top election officials aren’t convinced. About 70% of Missouri’s registered voters cast ballots in the 2020 election and that is the estimate Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft is making for this year.  Reports of four-hour wait times to early vote in Jackson County hasn’t prompted Ashcroft to change his forecast. Last-Minute Voter ‘Cheat Sheet’ If you’ve yet to go to the polls and are still confused about many of the issues and races on the ballot, there is some good news… we have done a lot of the legwork for you. Kansas City PBS and our media partners have tracked the backgrounds and positions of all the candidates in Kansas and Missouri. And we’ve even hit those lower ballot races that are oftentimes the biggest head-scratchers. From sheriff to state legislative races, and from local issue questions to judges. Check it out at kcvoterguide.org. Arrowhead Stadium in the Spotlight While this is going to be a frenzied week for election workers, it’s also going to be one of the busiest weeks in recent memory for the parking attendants, food vendors, and game day crew at Arrowhead Stadium. They’re going to be turning around three big games this week. First, the Chiefs host Tampa Bay this evening on Monday Night Football. Then on Sunday, the Chiefs face off at home against the Broncos. It’s going to be a busy week at Arrowhead Stadium starting Monday Nov. 4, 2024. (Courtesy | Populous) And here’s where things get tricky. Less than 24 hours before Sunday’s matchup with Denver, KU will play Iowa State at Arrowhead. The Jayhawks are still temporarily homeless as work continues on the team’s new football stadium in Lawrence. New Fight Over COVID Cash In the past six months, members of the Jackson County Legislature have almost come to blows over property taxes and disagreements over how to keep the Royals and Chiefs in the county. This week, they’ve got something new to fight about…COVID cash. A year-end deadline is quickly approaching for Jackson County to decide how to spend around $70 million in federal COVID relief funds. Jackson County, Missouri Executive Frank White Jr. The issue is set to come to a head this afternoon in the county’s legislative chambers. Lawmakers are set to vote on a basket of community services they want to see get the money, from arts groups to senior programs. But Jackson County Executive Frank White says the move is illegal. White claims only he can decide where the money should go. If they don’t come to an agreement by Dec. 31, the money will automatically be forfeited back to the federal government. Last Week, Reviewed College Hoops are Finally Back If you’re looking for another big distraction from the election, today marks the start of college basketball season. KU’s first game is tonight against Howard University in Lawrence. (Game Time: 7:00 p.m.) For many Jayhawk fans it will be their first time seeing inside the newly renovated Allen Fieldhouse. KU has shrunk the number of seats to boost fan amenities, from updated video boards to enhanced hospitality areas with more gourmet food options. Fans will finally get a look at renovations to Allen Fieldhouse when the University of Kansas basketball team opens its 2024-25 season Nov. 4, 2024, in Lawrence. (Courtesy KU Athletics) Also, in action tonight… The MU Tigers take on the Memphis Tigers (Game Time: 7:00 p.m.) Meanwhile, K-State has an election night match-up in Manhattan against New Orleans (Game Time: Tuesday, 7:00 p.m.) Kansas City Turns Icy Last week a late October heatwave forced the postponement of a Kansas City holiday tradition. With more fall-like temperatures in the air, the Crown Center Ice Terrace is finally opening for the season. It’s now scheduled for this Friday. If you get there early, you can skate for free and get complimentary coffee and hot chocolate. But you’re going to have set your alarm. The offer is only good Friday morning from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. The Crown Center Ice Terrace is now in its 50th year. It opened in 1974. A Holiday Heads-Up Many Kansas Citians are going to be heading into a three-day weekend. An early reminder that next Monday is Veterans Day. Government buildings, banks and post offices will be closed. And there will be no mail delivery. Nick Haines tracks the week’s most impactful local news stories on Week in Review, Friday nights at 7:30 pm on Kansas City PBS. This Friday, we pick apart the election results and examine what happens now. The post Nick’s Picks: Election Day, College Hoops, COVID Battle and More … first appeared on Flatland.