On Tuesday's ballot, Cole County voters will decide several local races.
Races are set on the Republican primary ballot for the Cole County Western District commissioner, sheriff, assessor and public administrator. Jefferson City is seeking a renewal of its five-year, half-cent capital improvement sales tax.
Cole County Clerk Steve Korsmeyer said he is predicting 30 percent voter turnout, based on average of turnout in August elections from 2014, 2012, 2010 and 2008. Korsmeyer said staff estimates about 1,100 absentee ballots will be cast in the August election.
As for statewide turnout, Missouri Secretary of State Jason Kander announced an expected 31 percent turnout for the August election.
To keep Cole County residents informed before they head to the polls Tuesday, the News Tribune has been profiling each race throughout July. So far, we've introduced the candidates for Western District commissioner, Cole County sheriff, assessor and public administrator.
Today, we continue that coverage with the stories on the city's half-cent capital improvement sales tax, a profile on the unopposed Cole County treasurer and coverage of the primary races in Missouri's 3rd and 4th congressional districts.
Statewide, incumbent U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt is facing a primary challenge from fellow Republicans Kristi Nichols, Bernie Mowinski and Ryan D. Luethy. On the Democratic side, Chief Wana Dubie, Cori Bush, Jason Kander and Rober Mack are hoping to challenge the Republican winner for the U.S. Senate seat in November. Libertarians Jonathan Dine and Herschel L. Young, as well as Constitution Party candidate Fred Ryman, are also vying for the U.S. Senate seat.
Republicans Catherine Hanaway, Eric Greitens, John Brunner and Peter Kinder are vying to replace Gov. Jay Nixon, as are Democrats Leonard Steinman, Chris Koster, Eric Morrison and Charles B. Wheeler. Libertarian Cisse W. Spragins is also seeking the governor position.
For the lieutenant governor position currently held by Kinder, Republicans Arnie C. - AC Dienoff, Bev Randles and Mike Parson will face off on Tuesday, as will Democrats Winston Apple, Russ Carnahan and Tommie Pierson Sr. Libertarian Steven R. Hedrick also is on the ballot.
For the Missouri secretary of state position currently held by Kander, Republicans Will Kraus, Jay Ashcroft and Roi Chinn will be on the ballot Tuesday, as will Democrats Bill Clinton Young, Robin Smith and MD Rabbi Alam. Libertarian Chris Morrill also will be on Tuesday's ballot.
Republicans will see only one choice for the state treasurer position currently held by Clint Zweifel - Eric Schmitt, while Democrats will face a choice between Pat Contreras and Judy Baker. Libertarian Sean O'Toole is also seeking the position.
Republicans Josh Hawley and Kurt Schaefer will face off for the Missouri attorney general position currently held by Koster, while Democrats will choose between Jake Zimmerman and Teresa Hensley.
Polls will be open from 6 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday, and a complete list of voting locations can be found at the Cole County clerk's website, colecounty.org/494/Voting-Locations.