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.