If this pandemic hasn’t stopped you from buying groceries or restaurant meals, it shouldn’t stop you from voting either.
The polls are open until 7 p.m. today for the rescheduled municipal election. We urge you to do your duty as a citizen of our country and a resident of Cole County: Inform yourself of the issues, and cast a ballot.
We previously reported Cole County Clerk Steve Korsmeyer believes voter turnout will be among the lowest the county has ever seen due to concerns about the pandemic, possibly 5-6 percent.
We believe voting will be safe, despite the COVID-19 pandemic. Social distancing will be encouraged, disinfectant will be available and you can bring your own pen. Wearing masks is optional.
Primary issues before Cole County voters in the June 2 election, as they apply in various municipalities, include:
• Jefferson City councilman for Ward 2, a race between candidates Aaron Mealy, Mike Lester and Gregory A. Butler.
• Four proposed changes to the Jefferson City charter.
• Three seats on the Blair Oaks R-2 School District Board of Education, a race between candidates Douglas Moeller, Nicki E. Russell, Jason A. Paulsmeyer and Tina Lear.
• Three three-year terms on the Cole R-1 (Russellville) School District Board of Education, a race between candidates Rodney Edwards, Adam Weber, Aaron Wyss, Elaine Buschjost, Renee Bungart and Ritchie Jenkins; and one one-year term on the Russellville school board, a race between candidates Jenifer Seaver and Jesse Farris.
• Three seats on the Cole R-5 (Eugene) School District Board of Education, a race between candidates Spencer K. Hoskins, Eliza Bond Hinkle, Derek Sommerer and Matt Hale.
• The Cole R-5 (Eugene) School District’s Proposition C Sales Tax Rollback.
• Two Lohman alderman positions, a race between candidates Franklin Chapman, Regina Hoffman and David Viles.
• Voters in Taos will decide Tuesday whether to sell the city’s sewer system to Missouri American Water. Taos residents would save about $70 per year on their bills if the $4.1 million sale is approved, according to town officials.
This election isn’t likely the most important one in which you’ll ever cast a ballot. However, our country’s democracy is important, and that makes all elections important.
News Tribune