Presidential race, Amendment 3 drive Columbia voters to polls

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Columbia voters stood in long lines to vote Tuesday morning, a scene that was repeated around the state.

Voters in line told ABC 17 News that the presidential race between President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden brought them to the polls. Other voters said Amendment 3, which would roll back voter-approved changes to how legislative districts are drawn, was a motivator.

At Beulah Ralph Elementary and the Armory Sports and Recreation Center lines stretched down sidewalks when the polls opened at 6 a.m.

An ABC 17 News crew said the line at Victory Church on North Ballenger Lane stretched around the building and that some voters had to leave because there wasn't enough parking.

Lines at some locations had shortened or cleared by mid-morning, including at Mizzou Arena, which was open as a massive universal voting location.

Boone County Clerk Brianna Lennon joined ABC 17 News This Morning and said curbside voting is available at the Ninth Street entrance of the government center for people who had to quarantine because of COVID-19 exposure.

Lennon said face masks are recommended at polling places, but her staff will not "turn anyone away who's not wearing a mask because of their health."

State election authorities are predicting record voter turnout on Election Day with as many as 75% of Missouri's registered voters casting ballots.

Polling places across the county are open until 7 p.m. You can find a list of polling places on the county clerk's website.