Gov. Parson orders Missouri elections delayed until June because of Covid-19
Missouri Gov. Mike Parson on Wednesday issued an executive order delaying the upcoming April 7 municipal elections until June 2 because of the coronavirus outbreak.
Local election authorities, including Jackson County, had hoped courts would allow them to delay the upcoming elections out of concern about the virus. There were also questions about whether fear of catching or spreading the coronavirus would legally allow voters to cast an absentee ballot.
Parson said his executive order came at the request from Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft.
“Given the growing concern surrounding COVID-19 and the large number of people elections attract, postponing Missouri’s municipal elections is a necessary step to help combat the spread of the virus and protect the health and safety of Missouri voters,” Parson said. “Postponing an election is not easy, but we are all in this together. We are thankful to Secretary Ashcroft and our 116 election authorities for their leadership, cooperation, and commitment to doing what is best for their communities during this time.”
Kansas City voters were set to weigh in on a proposed sales tax increase for the Kansas City Fire Department. Similar tax proposals were on the ballot around the state, along with city council and school board elections.
This story was originally published March 18, 2020 at 10:30 AM.
