Surge in early voting has St. Charles County adding capacity

ST. CHARLES, Mo. -- The unexpected early turnout for at early voting locations is prompting the St. Charles County Election Authority to make some changes. They are adding more parking at the main location and expanding capacity at the single satellite voting location.

Election Director Kurt Bahr says that over 25,000 people cast their ballots in the county since early voting started on October 22. Bahr's team had planned on up to 2,500 voters per day before November 5. They say the main office alone had over 3,500 come through on Monday.

“This is the first presidential election where no-excuse absentee voting has been part of the process in Missouri,” states Bahr. “The turnout is way, way more than anticipated. It far exceeded any projection we had. And not just us — other counties are seeing the same thing.”

The St. Charles County Election Authority office has made parking changes. Voters can also park at The Crossing at Mid Rivers, located at 6000 West Geneva Drive. A shuttle bus will take them to the Election Authority office at 397 Turner Boulevard. The shuttle ride takes about 5 minutes.

Element Church in Wentzville is extending its voting hours. The site at 100 Mall Parkway will now be open on Monday, Nov. 4, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. This is an addition to the previously scheduled dates. The location is closed on Saturdays.

The site has significantly increased its capacity. Staff has been increased by 60%. Check-in stations have been increased by 50%. The number of ballot printers has been doubled.

St. Charles County Early Voting Locations:

1. St. Charles County Election Authority
   • Open Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Extended hours until 5 p.m. on 11/4
   • Open Saturdays October 26 and November 2, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
   • Curbside voting available
   • Voters in line by 4:30 p.m. will be allowed to vote
2. Element Church (100 Mall Parkway #500, Wentzville)
   • Open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
   • No curbside voting available
   • Must be inside by 3 p.m. to vote
   • No extended lines at this location

Note: Voters in line at the Election Authority office by 4:30 p.m. will be allowed to vote.