Missouri Gov. Mike Parson told voters who are afraid of getting the coronavirus not to vote in person during Tuesday’s local election, The Hill reports.
“I hope people feel safe to go out and vote, but if they don’t, you know, the No. 1 thing — their safety should be No. 1,” Parson said during a Thursday press conference. “If they don’t, then don’t go out and vote.”
Parson moved the election originally scheduled for April 7 to June 2 amid the virus outbreak.
Missouri voters who want an absentee ballot must submit a formal reason stating why they can’t vote in person. The state legislation passed a law that would allow anyone with a notary’s signature to qualify for a mail-in ballot, but the bill has not been signed by Parson. If signed into law, the measure would only apply to the state’s August election and the presidential election in November.
The governor said voting, especially in local elections, is “one of the most important things you can do.”
The ballot features city council races, school board races and proposed local initiatives.
Parson added that Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft gave election clerks sanitation equipment and protective gear.
“I’m confident counties and other local elected officials understand what we are up against here and ... above all means, they are going to make sure the safeness is there,” Parson said.
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