Missouri St. Charles County Poll Watchers Restriction Challenge

Lawsuit filed by St. Charles County Republican Central Committeeman for O’Fallon Township, Travis Heins, against the St. Charles County Director of Elections, Kurt Bahr, challenging the county’s restrictions on poll watchers during the early voting period. In Missouri, counties may appoint challengers and watchers during an election to oversee the voting and ballot counting process. On Oct. 22, 2024, Heins received certification from the county director of elections to be a challenger in the November 2024 general election. Heins claims that his requests to serve as a challenger during in-person early absentee voting at several different locations across the county were later denied. He argues this denial violates Missouri law, and asks the court to order that in-person absentee early voting may not proceed without the presence of challengers and watchers. 

RESULT: On Nov. 1, the court dismissed the case on procedural grounds. St. Charles County will not allow challengers and watchers to be present during in-person early absentee voting. Early voting in St. Charles County can proceed. 

Last updated: November 4, 2024 12:00 pm EST