St. Louis City has a special election coming up next week to select a new Board of Alderman president to replace Lewis Reed, who resigned after a bribery sting. But voters should be aware that there will be some changes to the way they vote.
Two recent changes took effect: Missouri's voter ID law, and the number of polling places in the city.
For this election, city residents won't be able to go to their normal polling places, as the Board of Elections decided to move to a "voting center" concept. There will be 15 voting centers citywide and people can vote at whichever is most convenient.
Ben Borgmeyer, Democratic Director of Elections, explained how the system is meant to benefit residents. He said he lives in South City but works Downtown.
"But if the vote center model existed and it was functioning, I could walk across to Central Library and vote there," he said.
The elections board sent out mailers explaining the change to 15 voting centers. Borgmeyer said he realizes some people will show up to their usual polling place, but that there will be signage directing them to the proper spot.
As for the ID law, voters will now have to show photo ID before they vote, or they'll have to fill out a provisional ballot, which has the voter provide more information so election officials can verify their identity.
Hear more from Ben Borgmeyer about the upcoming election for Aldermanic President:
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