Local election moved from April 7 to June 2

On Wednesday, Missouri Gov. Mike Parson ordered all elections scheduled for April 7 to be postponed until June 2 as the coronavirus continues to spread throughout the country and state.

It is a precaution that is well-received locally.

“In this serious time of our lives, no one knows what the future holds,” said Rita Milam, Scott County Clerk. “Us as election authorities have to think about the election judges, the polling precincts and voters. For me to ask an election judge to put themselves at risk for an election is not morally ethical to me.”

Milam added that to ask churches and businesses to allow them to bring people into their buildings when they have cancelled services is also not morally ethical.

“The election process is a lot more than most people realize since we have to take so many things into consideration,” Milam said.

Parson’s executive order allows already printed ballots to be used for the rescheduled elections. Residents who turn 18 by April 7 will be allowed to vote.

“Voters can continue voting absentee ballots if they wish to in our office at the Benton Courthouse or can send us a written request for one to be mailed to them,” Milam said.

“Given the growing concern surrounding COVID-19 and the large number of people elections attract, postponing Missouri’s municipal elections is a necessary step to help combat the spread of the virus and protect the health and safety of Missouri voters,” Parson said. “Postponing an election is not easy, but we are all in this together. We are thankful to Secretary Ashcroft and our 116 election authorities for their leadership, cooperation, and commitment to doing what is best for their communities during this time.”

Section 44.100, RSMo, provides that during a state of emergency, the Governor is authorized to “waive or suspend the operation of any statutory requirement or administrative rule prescribing procedures for conducting state business, where strict compliance with such requirements and rules would prevent, hinder, or delay necessary action by the department of health and senior services to respond to a declared emergency or increased health threat to the population.”

The Executive Order requires local election authorities to publish notice of the June 2 election as required in Section 115.127.2, RSMo. In addition, the Executive Order states:

• The closing date to register to vote in this election remains March 11.

• The deadline for filing as a write-in candidate for office remains March 27 at 5 p.m.

• The deadline to apply for an absentee ballot (Section 115.279, RSMo) shall be May 20.

• A public test of voting equipment shall be completed no later than June 1.

• In-person absentee ballots may be cast until 5 p.m. on June 1.

• The deadline by which absentee ballots must be received by the election authority (Section 115.293.1, RSMo) shall be 7 p.m. on June 2.

• Military and overseas voters must request a ballot from an election authority by 5 p.m. on May 29, and the deadline for local election authorities to make ballots available to such voters is April 18. Military and overseas ballots must be received by the election authority by June 5.

• Local election authorities are also directed to post information on their website, use social media if available, issue press release, conduct public appearances, and directly contact stakeholders such as candidates.

“I deeply appreciate Governor Parson’s quick approval and am thankful to the local election authorities – your county clerks and boards of election – who have worked through developing health concerns to find a unified and secure means of implementing our next election,” Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft said. “Missouri has 116 separate election authorities, almost all who are elected in their own right, and we have come together to help protect Missouri voters. These are difficult times, but I am grateful for how we have responded, worked together and come to a resolution that helps every single Missouri voter.”