Tuesday marked the first day for early voting for the midterm election, Nov. 8. At the County Clerk’s Election Authority Office, 215 E. Fifth St., County Clerk Nick La Strada and his staff are ready to help citizens with early voting or answer any questions about the voting process.
“Today is the first day of absentee voting,” La Strada said Tuesday. “Sept. 27, it’s always six Tuesdays prior to any election.”
This will be the second election administered at the Courthouse Annex, just west of the Pettis County Courthouse on Fifth Street. La Strada said the new location is perfect for making voting easier for those looking to make their voices heard.
“This is for the general midterm election,” La Strada said. “A very big election that’s coming up, there will be five initiatives that are on the ballot.”
La Strada said the ballot will be relatively large at 14 inches, and the issues and candidates will require due diligence on the part of the voter to be properly informed.
“This midterm is very competitive in nature,” La Strada said, “and we’re very fortunate to have this facility.”
Having much more room and a facility on the ground floor means voters won’t have to negotiate the Courthouse stairs or find the elevator.
“Voters come and vote and they're just like, ‘we don't have to go up the stairs,’” La Strada said. “So seeing that was really nice. People come in and get that red-carpet treatment.”
The staff is accommodating of people on oxygen, in wheelchairs, or with disabilities of any kind and can help get them inside to cast a ballot.
La Strada acknowledges this election cycle has people dealing with heightened emotions, and his staff tries to keep the process politically emotion-free.
“People are so sensitive,” La Strada said. “They are very sensitive and emotional and we try to keep emotions down as much as possible.”
La Strada wants to let everyone know they need a government-issued ID, such as a driver’s license, military, passport, or government-issued identity card.
“House Bill 1878, they have to bring a photo ID,” La Strada said. “And most of our voters do come in with a photo ID. If you can’t get a free photo ID, you can go to the Department of Revenue to get one.”
Those who cannot get a photo ID may still place a provisional ballot, and election office staff will work to verify voter eligibility.
“There’s no stone unturned,” La Strada said. “Our bipartisan team will rectify to see if you are who you say you are and that ballot will be counted.”
Absentee voting is open to people who have an excuse as to why they must vote early. For the first time, no-excuse voting will be available starting two weeks prior to the election.
The General Election is Nov. 8, the last day to register to vote is Oct. 12, and the last day to request a ballot by mail is Oct. 26.
For more information, including a sample ballot, visit www.pettiscountyclerk.com or call 660-281-5000 ext. 918.
