Officials working to ensure safe, smooth election

Missouri’s local election authorities are working to ensure sufficient polling places are open to provide a safe voter experience for voters and poll workers alike.

“I’m grateful that Missouri’s local election authorities have so genuinely considered how to best prepare for the August 4 primary, and how logistically to keep in-person voting safe and smooth,” Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft said.

“It is up to each county clerk or election board to make those decisions, and I appreciate the forethought and problem-solving strategies they are employing to put voters and poll workers at ease,” Ashcroft added.

Of Missouri’s 116 local election jurisdictions, 21 are increasing the number of polling places in August as compared to August 2016. Some polling places are being consolidated into larger venues, creating an efficient flow of voters and more room to allow for safe physical distancing.

In May, Ashcroft drove more than 5,000 miles and visited all 116 election jurisdictions. He delivered 17,000 face masks, 17,000 face shields, 500 gallons of sanitizer, 40,000 floor strips for physical distancing and 16,000 posters that encouraged six feet of distance between voters.

In early May, he began distributing $4.5 million to local election authorities allowing funding for them to meet their jurisdiction’s individual needs.

More recently, the office shipped 4,900 more face masks at the request of some election officials.

Voting information can be found online at www.GoVoteMissouri.com.