MANY RACES AND ISSUES TO BE DECIDED
It’s almost here.
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5 in Platte County–and across the nation, for that matter–and voters will need to maneuver their way through a lengthy ballot.
The polls will open at 6 a.m. on Tuesday and remain open until 7 p.m..
For election results that night, you’ll want to find and follow Platte County Landmark on Facebook, and on Twitter @ivanfoley.
If you want to take a look at the ballot beforehand, go to the legal notices section in this edition of The Landmark or go to the website of the Platte County Board of Elections at plattecountymovotes.gov/ballot
Since this is a presidential election year, expect a heavy voter turnout in Platte County. Early voting, which opened Oct. 22, has proven to be extremely popular in Platte County (see related story in this edition).
Voter turnout for the 2020 presidential election in Platte County was 82.67 percent.
“We haven’t made any changes to poll sites for this election. Everyone should be voting the same place as they did earlier this year, assuming they haven’t moved,” said Chris Hershey, a director for the Platte County Board of Elections.
Here are some of the ballot highlights:
*There is a quarter cent sales tax proposed in Platte County to establish a “children’s fund.” On the ballot it is known as “county question.” The ballot language says the tax would “protect the well-being and safety of children and youth 19 years of age or less and to strengthen families.”
*There is a proposed tax increase for voters within the Platte County R-3 School District. The proposal would establish a new tax property tax of .1780 to attach the school district to the Metropolitan Community College district. If approved, the tax would allow students within the R-3 district to attend MCC schools at a reduced tuition rate.
*There’s a contested race for first district county commissioner between Allyson Berberich, Republican, and Charles McDonald, Democrat.
*City of Platte City voters will decide on a yes/no question to approve a $24 million revenue bond for improvements to the city’s sewage plant and wastewater system.
*City of Weatherby Lake voters will vote whether or not to impose a city sales tax of one percent, and whether to impose a local use tax at the same rate as the total local sales tax rate.
*Of course the presidential race between Donald Trump, Republican, and Kamala Harris, Democrat.
*US Senate race between incumbent Josh Hawley, Republican, and Democrat Lucas Kunce.
*Governor race between Mike Kehoe, Republican, and Crystal Quade, Democrat.
*Lieutenant governor between Dave Wasinger, Republican, and Richard Brown, Democrat.
*Secretary of State between Denny Hoskins, Republican, and Barbara Phifer, Democrat.
*State treasurer between Vivek Malek, Republican, and Mark Osmack, Democrat.
*State attorney general between Andrew Bailey, Republican, and Elad Gross, Democrat.
*Sixth District U.S .Representative between incumbent Sam Graves, Republican, and Pam May, Democrat.
*State rep in District 12 between Mike Jones, Republican, and incumbent Jamie Johnson, Democrat.
*State rep in District 13 between incumbent Sean Pouche, Republican, and Andrea Denning, Democrat.
*State rep in District 14 between Frank Pendleton, Republican, and incumbent Ashley Aune, Democrat.
Many Constitutional Amendment questions are on the ballot, as well, including:
*Amendment No. 2: Would legalize sports betting in Missouri with revenues appropriated for education.
*Amendment No. 3: The abortion question. Would establish a right to make decisions about reproductive health care, including abortion and contraceptives, with any governmental interference of that right presumed invalid.
*Amendment No. 5: Allow the Missouri Gaming Commission to issue a gambling boat license to operate on the portion of the Osage River from the Missouri River to the Bagnell Dam.
*Amendment No. 6: Would provide that the administration of justice shall include the levying of costs and fees to support salaries and benefits for certain current and former law enforcement personnel.
*Amendment No. 7: Would make the Missouri Constitution consistent with state law by only allowing citizens of the United States to vote. It would also prohibit the ranking of candidates by limiting voters to a single vote per candidate or issue.
*Proposition A: This question would amend Missouri law to increase the minimum wage on Jan. 1, 2025 to $13.75 per hour, increasing $1.25 per hour each year until 2026 when the minimum wage would be $15 per hour. Would also require all employers to provide one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked.
