With the Municipal Election coming up Tuesday, April 2, Pettis County Clerk Nick La Strada spoke with the Democrat this week to offer some last-minute reminders for voters.
“We will be open Saturday from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. (for no-excuse voting),” La Strada said. “Remember you can come to the Pettis County Annex, 215 E. Fifth St. The last for no-excuse absentee voting will be Monday, April 1, and we are open from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.”
Voters are instructed on Election Day to go to their polling location, which open at 6 a.m. and close at 7 p.m.
“We're expecting a pretty good turnout,” La Strada said. “Twelve entities are going to be on the ballot, four ballot questions and tax issues.”
A proposal to expand Sedalia City Council term limits is a big issue, as are seats on the State Fair Community College Board of Trustees and Pettis County Ambulance District Board of Directors.
“We've got a general obligation bond there in Smithton, anytime you have a general obligation bond it usually brings out a lot of voters,” La Strada pointed out.
A small number of county voters have been contacted to let them know there are no issues to they are qualified to vote on Tuesday.
“Geographically, where they live, we've already sent them a card to let them know,” La Strada said. “That there's just nothing for them to vote on because where they live.”
Voters should bring a valid ID to cast their ballot. La Strada said voter participation may hit as high as 20% this election, evidence that Pettis County voters are participating in their local governance more each year.
“More people are coming out to vote,” La Strada said. “It indicates we as the elections office have done a good job and we as a county a great job of working together."
For more information or to view a sample ballot, visit www.pettisclerk.gov or call 660-826-5000 ext. 918.
The following contested candidates and issues will be on Pettis County ballots, although ballots will vary depending on where a voter lives.
Incumbent Patty Wood, Jeff Page and Steve Bloess are competing for two seats on the Board of Trustees.
Jim Sneed and Heath May are competing for the District 3 seat on the Board of Directors.
Incumbent Ronnie McNeive has been challenged by Paul F. Wilbern for mayor.
Incumbent Fred Armstrong and Austin Simons are competing for the Ward 1 seat on the La Monte City Council.
Incumbent David Wessel and Christine Cook are competing for the Ward 2 seat.
Justin Walters, Liz Schleicher and incumbent Tim Dove are competing for two seats on the Board of Education.
Cheryl Else, Karina Lopez and incumbent Lesa Wyatt are vying for two seats on the Dresden Board of Education.
Incumbents Grant Newton and Michael Arnett have been challenged by Crystal. Narron, Troy Gorrell and Ben Darbyshire for two seats on the Northwest Board of Education.
Shall the Board of Education of the Smithton R-VI School District, Missouri, borrow money in the amount of $3.5 million for the purpose of providing funds to implement safety and security improvements district-wide; to renovate and relocate the existing elementary school drop off area and playground; to renovate and relocate the preschool; to provide covered areas at the entrance of the elementary and secondary buildings; to convert existing lighting to LED; to resurface parking lots; to renovate ceilings, floors, and walls in classrooms; to replace heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) units; to upgrade sidewalks; to install new turf and landscaping; to the extent funds are available, acquire equipment and complete other repairs and improvements to the existing facilities of the District; and issue general obligation bonds for the payment thereof resulting in an estimated increase to the debt service property tax levy of $0.4900 per one hundred dollars of assessed valuation?
If this proposition is approved, the adjusted debt service levy of the School District is estimated to increase from $0.0000 to $0.4900 per one hundred dollars of assessed valuation of real and personal property.
Shall the terms of council members, which are currently set at two years in the City of Sedalia, Missouri, be extended to four years for members elected after April 2, 2024?
Shall the $0.30 tax levy on $100 valuation for general municipal purposes for four years in the Village of Hughesville, Missouri, be approved?
Chris Howell can be reached at 660-530-0146.
