Some counties see low voter turnout in local election

Voter turnout is expected to be all over the map in Missouri counties on election day.

The Cole County clerk predicted a 25 percent voter turnout, which is higher than usual during off-year elections because of a bond measure and operating levy for a new school.

Voters will also be choosing new council and school board members in Jefferson City. You can read more about those predictions here.

So far, Boone County and Columbia issues have not brought out any record numbers. Boone County predicted it would have a lower-than usual voter turnout this year, and as predicted, the most recent numbers for Tuesday indicate about 6,500 people had voted by 1:30 p.m. In 2016, about 13,000 people had voted by then, compared to 8,000 in 2015.

Residents are voting on council and board members as well this time around.

Art Jago and Matt Pitzer are running against each other for the spot as the Fifth Ward council member who will represent southwest Columbia.

In the past few weeks, Mayor Brian Treece endorsed Pitzer. However, Jago says the mayor’s endorsement, as an active member, is inappropriate.

In the First Ward, incumbent Clyde Ruffin is running against Pat Kelley and Andrew Hutchinson. You can read more about the candidates and the issues here.

There are three school board seats available and four candidates running: Helen Wade, Paul Cushing, Jonathan Sessions and Robin Dianics are on the ballot. You can read more about the candidates here.

Make sure to look at your voter-registration card to know what polling location to go to.

Officials say not many changes have been made to the voting locations in Cole County.

To monitor the elections in Boone County, click here. To monitor the Cole County elections, click here.