ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. – As Election Day approaches, St. Louis County is seeing an unprecedented turnout in absentee voting. The county’s early voting period, which began on Oct. 22, has already drawn an impressive 200,274 ballots. This figure demonstrates high voter engagement ahead of the November election, with absentee voting by mail contributing significantly. The St. Louis County Board of Elections reports that 32,608 absentee mail ballots have been received so far.
On Saturday alone, county residents cast 13,780 in-person absentee ballots at several satellite voting locations throughout the area. According to Rick Stream, Republican Director of Elections for St. Louis County, the process has gone smoothly due to the cooperation and patience of voters.
“The voters have been very cooperative and patient,” Stream said. “They’ve come prepared for the most part, with their sample ballots that we mailed out to everybody. Our library system, which provides 10 of our satellite locations, has been very, very cooperative.”
While long lines have formed at times, most voters have been able to complete the process in about 30 minutes. The efficiency of the voting process and the availability of satellite locations have made it easier for many to vote early and avoid crowds on Election Day.
Voters across the county have expressed satisfaction with early voting, including the convenience of shorter wait times.
“It’s gonna work out well with my schedule, and the big thing is the shorter lines,” St. Charles County voter Russell Cooper said.
Melinda, another voter from St. Charles, noted, “I think it’s just important this time around to get out and vote, let our voices be heard, and get the right person in the White House.”
With high voter projections continuing, election workers are well-prepared to handle the demand.
“We didn’t predict this large of an increase, but we make sure that we have machines that are ready to go,” Stream said. “We bought 900,000 sheets of 20-inch paper, so that will be more than enough, and we have plenty of toner for our printers.”
For those still planning to vote absentee, officials remind residents that it’s now too late to mail ballots. Absentee ballots must be hand delivered by 7 p.m. on Tuesday to the St. Louis County Board of Election Office to ensure they are counted. The office is located at 725 NW Plz Dr, St Ann, MO 63074.