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Judge Halts Early Voting in St. Charles County Over Watcher Access Dispute

A Republican committeeman's lawsuit leads to a temporary restraining order, pausing early voting until a court hearing on Friday.

  • Travis Allen Heins, a Republican committeeman, filed a lawsuit seeking to allow election watchers during early voting in St. Charles County, Missouri.
  • A temporary restraining order was granted by a circuit court judge, pausing early voting until a scheduled hearing on Friday.
  • Heins argues that watchers should be allowed as ballots are tabulated when fed into voting machines during early voting.
  • St. Charles County Elections Director Kurt Bahr maintains that watchers are only required when ballots are being counted on Election Day.
  • The Missouri Voter Protection Coalition has expressed concerns that the lawsuit may deter voters, labeling it a voter suppression tactic.
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