Judge Orders Polls Open Late in St. Louis

However, another judge ruled that polls in Kansas City will not be open any extra hours.

Attorneys for Missouri Democrats argued that lines at polling places were too long because of equipment problems in many St. Louis precincts. The Democrats' attorneys say the polls needed to stay open to accommodate voters.

Attorneys for Bill Federer, the Republican challenging Rep. Dick Gephardt for Congress, say Democrats are trying to tap a "flood of Democratic voters."

Missouri election officials say ballots will not be counted until after the St. Louis polls have closed tonight. So, it may be several hours before it's clear which of the presidential candidates, George W. Bush or Al Gore, will carry Missouri.

Also, the outcome of the Senate race between incumbent Republican John Ashcroft and Jean Carnahan, the widow of Mel Carnahan, will not be decided for several hours.

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