Ahead of Tuesday’s local elections, Gov. Mike Parson said Missourians should prioritize their safety over voting.
“I hope people feel safe to go out and vote, but if they don’t, you know, the No. 1 thing — their safety should be No. 1,” Parson said during Thursday’s press briefing. “If they don’t, then don’t go out and vote.”
Most Missouri voters will be deciding on city council and school board races, or local ballot measures Tuesday. Parson signed an executive order March 18 to move elections planned for April 7 to June 2 because of concern caused by the rising number of Missourians infected with the novel coronavirus.
Unlike several states, Missouri does not offer “no-excuse” absentee voting, and most voters are only eligible to cast their ballot in-person.
A bill that would allow for anyone to vote by mail, after obtaining a notary’s signature, sits on Parson’s desk for consideration, and would only apply to the August primary and November presidential elections. He has not indicated whether he will sign it.