Missouri gives federal funds to local election authorities

Missouri has given about 4.5 million dollars in federal funds to local election authorities.

During a visit with reporters this week in Jefferson City, Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft says he wants them to use some of the funds to boost poll worker pay.

“Its a good opportunity for us to be able put more money into paying more poll workers to get more poll workers and to help people who may be in financial straits to make sure we have enough poll workers and we have  enough polling locations,” Ashcroft said.

Missouri’s primary election is August 4 and Ashcroft anticipates the state will have about as many polling sites as it usually does during a primary election.