AUGUST PRIMARY: Expectations for voting in Mid-Missouri counties

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

In Columbia, the mask ordinance is still in affect and people are required to wear a mask when voting.

However, Scotty Clardy from Boone County Health and Human Services said there are exceptions to the mask ordinance and proof is not required, so if someone comes to vote without a mask Tuesday they will not be turned away.

Outside the city of Columbia, County Clerk, Brianna Lennon, said in any polling location that a person goes to masks are encouraged but not required.

"We will have signage up that says masks are encouraged and all poll workers will be wearing masks or face shields," she said. "We do not have any different requirements than what the health department has already put out there."

Lennon said there will be social distancing posters and markings to keep people away from one another, and polls will constantly be cleaned and sanitized between voters.

The county is offering curbside voting for people that are nervous to go out and vote.

"That is an option that has always been available, a bipartisan team of election judges can bring out a ballot to your car at any polling station," Lennon said. "It may take a little longer but it is always an option."

In Cole County, the clerk, Steve Korsmeyer, said masks will not be required when voting on Tuesday, but there will be social distancing stickers to keep people 6 feet apart.

"All polling places will have sanitizer, wipes, gloves, and masks," Korsmeyer said. "It's up to the voter if they want to wear one or not, its also up to the judges if they want to wear them or not."

Voters also have the option to bring their own pen in both counties in order to keep the spread of COVID-19 down.

"Then the only thing they would really have to touch is the iPad where they sign-in with their fingertip," Korsmeyer said. "

Some Cole County polling places are small and Korsmeyer expects a big turn out. Elections workers are planning to keep all voters separated.

"We will have social distancing stickers in place and we will try to social distancing all of our voting booths, it's kind of hard because some of our places are small but we are going to do the best we can so hopefully everybody will go out," Korsmeyer said.

For people worried about going out to vote, the Cole County clerk said they will be following all health department guidelines.

"Just try to maintain a 6-foot distance from everybody, wear a face mask or gloves if necessary, and keep your hands away from your face," he said.

In Randolph County, the County Clerk Will Ellis, said they will be following social distancing guidelines, recommending masks, and offering hand sanitizer to voters.

Ellis said since polls will be sanitized and cleaned after voters go in, he is asking people to be extra patient this year when voting.

Cole County, Randolph County and Boone County websites have information on how to vote, when to vote and where to polling locations on Tuesday.