St. Louis City and County folks can now start voting early with absentee ballots as the election nears, still 42 days out. This process lets people cast their votes ahead of time. Below is a detailed rundown on how absentee voting works and what’s at stake with the upcoming propositions.
Key Issues at Play
This election includes two major issues put forward by the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (MSD), labeled Proposition W and Proposition S. These measures are key for the local infrastructure and environmental goals.
– Proposition W: The aim here is to fix the area’s wastewater setup. Voters can choose between paying now or using a combo of cash and borrowing, which boils down to a pretty big choice impacting sewage costs. If Proposition W gets the green light, we’re talking about $750 million in bonds spread over 20 to 30 years, meaning higher bills gradually. But if folks say no, expect an immediate spike in sewer rates.
– Proposition S: This is all about tackling issues like floods and erosion through a brand-new regional stormwater improvement scheme for St. Louis City and County. Success for Proposition S means pulling in roughly $35 million each year for these projects. The money would come from property taxes for the average homeowner (about $25 yearly) and a surface charge for businesses.
How to Vote Absentee
Who Can Vote Absentee:
To jump into the absentee voting game, you’ve got to meet specific criteria first:
To vote absentee, you must fit one of these categories:
– Sick, injured or disabled
– Won’t be around on Election Day
– Working that day as a poll worker, emergency responder, healthcare professional, or cop
– Can’t hit the polls due to your religion
– In jail but can still vote
– Serving in the military or living abroad with your family if they’re also from Missouri
How to get an Absentee Ballot:
– Swing by, send a letter, or fax your local voting office to ask for an absentee ballot.
– They need to have your request by 5 PM two Wednesdays before the vote.
– You’ll need some ID like a valid Missouri driver’s license, ID without a driver’s license, a U.S. passport, or military ID.
Sending in Your Absentee Ballot:
– Make sure your completed ballot gets to the voting office by 7 PM on the big day.
– You can mail it, drop it off yourself, or use curbside service.
– If you got an absentee ballot but ended up not needing it, tell your local voting office before you go and vote face-to-face.
Dates to Circle:
– February 20, 2024: You can start voting absentee in person at the Clerk’s desk. They’re open weekdays 8 AM to 4:30 PM. There’s also Saturday hours right before election day from 8 AM to noon.
– March 19 to April 1, 2024: There’s a window when anyone can come in and vote absentee without giving a reason at the Clerk’s Office.
– March 20, 2024: That’s the cutoff for election folks to get ballots by mail.
Wrapping Up
Absentee voting is happening now for St Louis City and County folk. It’s a chance to have a say in what’s next for our area,
In our communities, there’s a lot on the line, like the choices surrounding Proposition W and Proposition S, or the option to vote ahead of time if you qualify. Remember, every single vote helps shape a thriving and enduring future for our area. So, get out there and join the absentee voting process now.
With all the hurdles and unknowns our neighborhoods face, absentee voting gives people an important way to participate in how we run things democratically. When folks cast their votes early, they add their two cents to the discussion and can help spur on changes dealing with infrastructure upgrades and battling environmental issues.
Looking Ahead
As we move through the absentee voting period, it’s super important for voters to keep up with important dates and rules to make sure they’re heard. Since Propositions W and S will have a big effect on what’s down the road for us, each vote really matters when it comes to policies and plans that will touch everyone living here.
In the next few days, we’re all urged to hop on the absentee voting wagon and let our choices be known through our votes. By getting involved in how things work around here, folks can have a real say in nudging our communities forward to a better and more promising tomorrow. It’s our shot to push for change and pitch in for the good of everyone in St. Louis City and County.
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