ST. CHARLES COUNTY, Mo. – There is a surge of early voters in the St. Louis-area for the November 2024 general election.

That includes St. Charles County, where voters are dealing with long lines and traffic backups, prompting election authorities to make significant changes to accommodate the more than anticipated large voter turnout.
  
On Wednesday, there were long lines throughout the day in St. Charles County for early voters. Election officials say the turnout is historic, following a record in voter registration ahead of the general election.


Check wait times for St. Louis County polling places here

“Absentee voting was at a calm percent of voters each day until the two-week early voting period began,” said Kurt Bahr, director of the St. Charles County Election Authority. “At that point, we saw a massive surge of voters at the election office and the satellite location in Wentzville.”
  
Election officials will add more parking at the main absentee location in Wentzville and expand capacity at the single satellite voting location. 

Staff has been increased by 60%. Check-in stations have been increased by 50%. The number of ballot printers has been doubled.
  
“Extended voting times have been added, along with allowing people to vote the Saturday before the election,” said Bahr. “The numbers were approaching 4,000 plus voters [per day]. Since then, we are seeing about 5,000 voters per day. This is twice what we were expecting to see.”

This is the first presidential election in which no-excuse absentee voting has been part of the process in Missouri. FOX 2 talked with some early voters in St. Charles County who are glad they had an opportunity to cast a ballot early.
  
“We came out to vote early is because [of] long lines. Trying get ahead of it, we just want to make sure my vote is heard being counted,” said Mark Wheeler.
  
“I took off work to get some rest and relaxation, but I also thought great time to do my civic duty and get out there and vote,” said Kristine Laverge. “I took off to stand in line today.”
  
“It’s a nice day, and I’m going to be on vacation,” said Tim Krueger. “Trying to get out of the way get vote counted and be done.”