ST. CHARLES, Mo. — A judge in Missouri ruled on Friday against a Republican committeeman’s attempt to compel the state’s third-largest county to permit observers or challengers for early voting.
Judge Dewayne Johnson stated that the motion presented by St. Charles County Central Committeeman Travis Allen Heins did not meet the necessary standards for a temporary restraining order. While the judge did not delve into the specifics of the case, the challenge was dismissed on the grounds of not adhering to state legal protocols.
Heins, who acknowledged he is not a lawyer, expressed disappointment over the ruling, but noted that his request prompt discussions regarding the roles of watchers and challengers throughout Missouri’s early voting period.
The ruling was met with approval from St. Charles County Director of Elections, Kurt Bahr.
“Election challengers from both parties will be present at several polling locations on Election Day as permitted by state law,” Bahr stated. “We hope the legislature will clarify these issues in their upcoming session.”
This election cycle represents the first presidential election in Missouri where voters can cast no-excuse absentee ballots. St. Charles County has seen a robust turnout, significantly surpassing initial expectations. Bahr had predicted an average of 2,500 voters per day; however, actual daily attendance has frequently reached approximately 5,000. The county is located in the suburbs of St. Louis and has a population of around 420,000 residents.
According to Missouri law, each political party listed on the ballot is entitled to appoint a challenger for every polling place available on Election Day. Heins’ appeal claimed the necessity for observation during early voting was essential since ballots are effectively tabulated as soon as they are inserted into a scanner.
“When election officials restrict the presence of a Challenger or Watcher, the integrity and transparency of the elections can be put at risk,” he claimed in his petition.
Furthermore, members of the Missouri Voter Protection Coalition reported that numerous individuals have been discouraged from voting since the request for injunction emerged.