What early voting turnout tells Kansas City officials about this April’s election
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - April elections don’t always draw a big crowd but election workers in Kansas City think that’ll be a different story this year. It takes a lot of preparation and work to make an election like Tuesday’s go off smoothly.
It’s not common for voters to decide on the future of two professional sports teams in one city which Election Supervisors believe is influencing high turnouts for an April election. But come Tuesday, they believe all voting locations will be prepared.
Question one is a big reason people like Jim Cress and Kim Fawcett cast their ballots early.
“I voted no, I think Kauffman Stadium is a great place to be,” Cress argued. “I think we’ve got tremendous roads in and out of the stadium, it cost millions of dollars and took a long time to get done.”
“I voted yes, I think that will be as good thing for our community and our city,” Fawcett countered. “That the Chiefs also get the money they need to redo their stadium.”
With the future of where the Royals will play and many livelihoods in the Crossroads in the hands of Jackson County voters, Director of Kansas City Elections Shawn Kieffer, expects voter turnout to nearly double what it usually is in April.
“Generally in an April election we have anywhere between 8%-13% that come out and vote,” Kieffer said. “Right now, we anticipate anywhere between 20-22% that will actually show up.”
In Kansas City, ed voters can show up to any polling location to cast a ballot. Where Kieffer expects enough staff to handle the flow.
“We’ve hired about 680 people to work the polls, so that’s about 10 people per poll,” Kieffer continued. “Then we have an additional 100 people that are our eyes and ears at the polls. So, if there’s electioneering issues or other problems.”
Even though the Royals and Chiefs are on the ballot this year, regular team gear is still allowed to be worn while voting.
“What we do ask is you don’t wear anything on how to vote,” Kieffer clarified. “So, no “yes” or “no” shirts on question one.”
Early voting will still be offered on Saturday at all three satellite locations for the Kansas City Elections Board from 8:00 am-12:00 pm. Those locations include,
- 4407 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.Kansas City, MO 64130
- 5600 E. 112th Terr. Kansas City, MO 64137
- 3710 Main St. Kansas City, MO 64111
Then on Tuesday all polling locations open from 6:00 am-7:00 pm, but if you’re already in line by closing time you can stay to still cast your ballot.
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