Missouri Gov. Mike Parson's executive order postponing the April 7 municipal election to June 2 in response to the COVID-19 outbreak was welcome news for Cole County Clerk Steve Korsmeyer, who serves as the county's chief election authority.
"I wasn't going to have any poll workers, so even if this hadn't come, I don't know what we would have done," Korsmeyer said. "Most of our workers are retirees and many didn't want to get into a public setting right now, and I completely understand. Hopefully, this will allow for things to settle down, and we can proceed as normal."
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As of Wednesday, Korsmeyer reported, his office had issued 417 absentee ballots and had received 281 back for the municipal election.
"Those are still good, and no one will have to re-vote," Korsmeyer said. "We'll keep them locked in our office until we count them on election night."
Callaway County Clerk Ronda Miller echoed Korsmeyer's relief, noting the governor's decision was "a very smart move."
"My office and I were in favor of that with everything that's been going on," Miller said. "This puts the public and our office at less of a risk. In June, we'll be in a much better place."
Korsmeyer said he doesn't expect to need more people to help with an election, but he will wait to see how the response to COVID-19 proceeds over the next few weeks.
As for elected officials currently serving on boards or councils whose terms are scheduled to end after this April election, Korsmeyer said it was his understanding those people would continue to serve until the election is held.
Ryan Boland of the Fulton Sun contributed information to this article.