The lawsuit in Missouri seeking to require observers at voting sites has been dismissed by a judge on procedural grounds. St. Charles County Circuit Court Judge Dwayne Allen Johnson ruled that the legal action, presented as a complaint and a request for an emergency injunction, was actually a motion for a temporary restraining order and did not meet the necessary requirements. The complaint, filed by St. Charles County Republican Committeeman Travis Allen Heins, alleged that county officials were not allowing observers to watch the counting of early absentee ballots. State law permits political parties to designate challengers or watchers at polling places to observe the ballot counting process and report any irregularities. Heins claimed that despite meeting the qualifications, he was denied the opportunity to be a challenger or watcher by the county director of elections. The judge dismissed the case without prejudice, stating that it was deficient in its current form.
St. Charles County, located near St. Louis with a population of approximately 420,000 residents, is experiencing higher levels of early absentee voting due to Missouri allowing no-excuse absentee voting for the first time in a presidential election.
Heins expressed his intention to consider refiling the case, emphasizing the importance of ensuring security and transparency in all voting processes. However, he acknowledged the fair ruling based on procedural technicalities. The director of elections, Kurt Bahr, reassured voters that election challengers from both parties will be present at polling locations on election day as required by state law. He also called for legislative clarity on the issue in future sessions.
