Boone County reports around 5,000 votes in the first week of no-excuse absentee voting

COLUMBIA MO. (KMIZ)

Voters in Boone County are taking advantage of no-excuse absentee voting, which opened earlier this week.

The Boone County Clerk’s Office reported that 988 people cast their ballots on the first day of voting, Oct. 20. By Friday, the number of ballots cast was nearing 4,000, according to Boone County Clerk Brianna Lennon. Friday saw the highest daily turnout, with 1,013 voters casting ballots.

Lennon expects the total to approach 5,000 by the end of the weekend.

“I think it's really similar to why we saw higher turnout in August, which is just the number of constitutional amendments on the ballot,” Lennon said.

Lennon said the clerk’s office anticipated higher turnout for this election and hired temporary staff to help accommodate voters.

On Saturday morning, voters faced waits of about 45 minutes to an hour.

Anne Morgan, who has lived in Boone County for five and a half years, was among those waiting in line. She said it was refreshing to see so many of her neighbors come out to vote.

“I think it's really important to preserve our democracy,” Morgan said. “It was really heartwarming to see all of those people who feel that strongly about it as well. There are some important things on the ballot today, and I got to voice my opinion.”

Syreta Toson also voted early, saying she believes it is important for community members to have their voices heard on issues affecting them.

“I was really impressed by our community,” Toson said. “Everybody wants to have their day in what goes on in government events.”

Voters can cast their ballots Saturday at Columbia Mall from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., near Great American Cookies. On Sunday, voters can also vote at Douglass High School.

Several measures on this fall’s ballot are drawing attention, including Amendments 3 and 6 and Propositions A and L.

Amendment 3 asks Missouri voters whether to repeal the reproductive rights amendment approved in 2024. If approved, it would end the constitutional protections for abortion, including the right to abortion until fetal viability

It would allow abortions in cases of rape and incest before 12 weeks of pregnancy, medical emergencies and certain fetal abnormalities. It would also allow lawmakers to pass abortion restrictions, require parental consent for minors seeking abortions and ban gender-transition procedures for minors

Amendment 6 asks Missouri voters whether to make it harder for lawmakers to change laws that voters approve.

If passed, it would protect voters’ ability to propose laws and vote on them. It would also allow courts to review ballot summaries and require at least 80% of both the Missouri House and Senate to agree before lawmakers could change or repeal certain laws passed by voters or pass similar laws that voters previously rejected. The current rules for petition signatures and voter approval would stay the same.

A “yes” vote would make it harder for Missouri lawmakers to change laws that voters pass through petitions.

A “no” vote would keep the current rules in place, allowing Missouri residents to propose laws and constitutional amendments through petitions and vote on them.

Proposition A on the ballot and will be asked if they approve of the 2025 "Missouri First" map known on the ballot as House Bill 1. Legal battles have ensued during the past year as critics called the map "gerrymandered" in favor of Republicans.

A 'yes' vote would mean Missouri redraws its current congressional districts from the 2022 map to the 2025 map. If passed, the 2025 map is likely to take effect 30 days after Proposition A is approved.

A 'no' vote would keep the 2022 congressional map.

Proposition L asks Boone County voters to decide whether to approve a 3/8-cent sales tax to help fund public safety services, including a potential new 570-bed county jail. If approved, the tax would be collected for 15 years and expire on Dec. 31, 2042. It would be added to the existing 1/8-cent sales tax approved by voters in 2002.

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