Why did popular sovereignty fail in the 1854 Kansas elections?

The Kansas-Nebraska Act introduced the idea that it was up to the sovereignty of those states to decide whether or not slavery should be legal in those states.

How did popular sovereignty play a role in the Kansas-Nebraska Act?

John Brown is a famous opponent to slavery who led actions against the practice of slavery.

Why did popular sovereignty lead to problems in the territories like Kansas?

The first election was actually in May 29 1854. Over 5,000 Border Ruffians came across the border from Missouri to force the election of a pro slavery legislature. There were more votes cast in the election than there were eligible votes. This created outrage in the Free States.

An organized effort to send free state settlers to Kansas to influence the election for statehood. These outside settlers set up towns in Lawarenceville, Topeka and other inland parts of Kansas.

In response the pro Slavery Border Ruffians sacked the town of Lawrenceville. The abolitionist printing presses were destroyed and the town burned. The pro slavery forces tried to force the anti slavery settlers out of Kansas.

In response a group of abolitionist from outside of Kansas led by John Brown raided the pro slavery town of Pottamonie Creek murdering 5 settlers from Missouri.

The influx and conflict of both proslavery and pro abolitionist forces turned the efforts of popular sovereignty into Bloody Kansas. The original settlers were not allowed to decide.