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.