Turnout tracking lower than expected in Cole County
Voter turnout in Cole County might be lower than officials initially projected.
County Clerk Steve Korsmeyer said turnout as of 2 p.m. Tuesday had not matched his expectations. Korsmeyer said Monday that he expected 19 percent turnout, up from last year’s 10 percent for the April municipal and school elections. Korsmeyer said Tuesday afternoon that turnout was at about 10 percent, but that he hoped that voters leaving work will bring numbers up through the early evening.
Boone County Clerk Brianna Lennon said at about 1:30 p.m. that turnout was 9.9 percent and she still expects to hit her 15 percent projection. No issues were reported other than a gas leak at the Hallsville Community Center. Voters were sent to the Rep Top Christian Church, Disciples of Christ.
The Boone County Clerk’s office tweeted about the possible leak around 6 a.m. Tuesday. telling voters to head to Hallsville’s Red Top Christian Church, Disciples of Christ instead.
Update for Hallsville voters: due to a suspected gas leak, if you were planning to vote at the Hallsville Community Center today, please go instead to Red Top Christian Church, Disciples of Christ, 14355 N. Rte. U in Hallsville. pic.twitter.com/kFi1wtYDqZ
— Boone County Clerk (@voteboonemo) April 2, 2019
Voters are still going to the polls. According to the Boone County Clerk’s Office, voter turnout is at 4.45 percent, but estimates it will reach around 15 percent.
The clerk’s office expected tol provide updates on turnout throughout the day at 1:30 and 4:30 p.m.
Happy Election Day! We’ll be providing voter turnout numbers throughout the day. Current #BooneCo turnout is 4.45%. Check back at 1:30p & 4:30p for updated numbers with final turnout posted after polls close. Get out and get your sticker! Polls are open til 7pm #votelocal pic.twitter.com/QpRmiuY72P
— Boone County Clerk (@voteboonemo) April 2, 2019
Boone County Clerk Brianna Lennon said around mid-morning Tuesday that she had seen a consistent flow of voters in the Boone County Government Center. A total of 893 absentee voters had cast ballots by early Tuesday, Lennon said.
During the last municipal election with a Columbia mayoral race on the ballot 924 absentee ballots were cast, she said.
Municipal and school district races and issues are on ballots across mid-Missouri, with voters in Columbia, Jefferson City and other towns selecting mayors. Several area schools are seeking approval for bond issues and tax levy increases to help fund building projects and other priorities.
More information about the races and issues is available at abc17news.com/news/politics.
Polls close at 7 p.m.
Look for updates throughout Election Day on www.abc17news.com.
