In light of growing concerns surrounding COVID-19, or the novel coronavirus, Gov. Mike Parson signed an executive order Wednesday postponing all municipal elections slated for April 7 until June 2.
In Mid-Missouri, this affects voting for two Jefferson City Council seats. It also affects one seat in the Jefferson City School District Board of Education's uncontested election, three seats on the Blair Oaks R-2 School District Board of Education, four seats for the Cole R-1 (Russellville) School District Board of Education and three seats on the Cole R-5 (Eugene) School District Board of Education.
The Missouri Constitution states elected officers "shall hold office until their successors are duly elected or appointed and qualified."
Each year, five of 10 Jefferson City Council seats are up for re-election for two-year terms. In 2020, three current council members - Ward 3 Councilwoman Erin Wiseman, Ward 4 Councilman Ron Fitzwater and Ward 5 Councilman Jon Hensley - are running unopposed for their seats.
Two council members - Ward 1 Councilman Rick Prather and Ward 2 Councilman Rick Mihalevich - are terming out.
Hoping to take those seats are four new candidates. Hank Vogt is running unopposed for the Ward 1 seat, while Aaron Mealy, Mike Lester and Gregory Butler are vying for the Ward 2 seat.
Because new council members cannot be elected until June, the current councilmen will retain their seats and the full powers of a council seat, City Counselor Ryan Moehlman said.
The current council members up for unopposed re-election will continue their terms, as well.
For the Jefferson City School District Board of Education, incumbents Lori Massman and board Treasurer Scott Hovis filed to seek re-election, and Jefferson City resident Brad Bates filed to seek his first election to the board. Board member Steve Bruce did not seek re-election; he will hold office until the election June 2.
The executive order declares ballots already printed for the April 7 election may be used at the postponed date of June 2. Voters who are 18 by April 7 will be allowed to cast a ballot.