It’s been almost 34 years since a Columbia city council member was recalled.
Today is election day across mid-Missouri, and one of the most closely-watched races is the recall election that Columbia first ward city councilman Nick Knoth is facing. Mr. Knoth was elected to the city council in April 2023 and has since taken a job as a lobbyist with the Missouri Realtors. While recall organizers say it’s a conflict of interest with his elected position, Councilman Knoth has told 939 the Eagle that there is no conflict. The last Columbia city council member to be recalled was Chester Edwards in 1990, who supported the Colonies development on Forum. That was controversial at the time.
Boone County clerk Brianna Lennon is projecting a 19 percent voter turnout for today’s election. Polling places opened at 6 this morning and close at 7 pm. clerk Brianna Lennon reminds you that you’ll need to bring a photo ID with you to the polls. That can include a Missouri driver’s license, a U-S passport or a military ID.
Boone County’s Proposition 1 is in front of all voters. It reads: “Shall the county of Boone exempt senior citizens from certain increases in the property tax liability due on such senior citizens’ primary residence.” Three candidates are seeking two seats on the Columbia school board. They are incumbent Jeanne Snodgrass and challengers Alvin Cobbins and John Thomas Potter. Three candidates are running for an open Columbia second ward council seat: they are Lisa Meyer, Robert Schreiber III and write-in candidate Lucio Bitoy IV. Voters in mid-Missouri’s fast-growing Ashland are casting ballots today in a mayor’s race, as incumbent Mayor Dorise Slinker faces a challenge from Loren Plank. Mayor Slinker helped organize a recent spaghetti lunch and dinner to reduce student lunch debt at Southern Boone R-1. One of Mr. Plank’s priorities would be to modernize the existing swimming pool in Ashland.
Boone County clerk Lennon reminds you that if you have a problem voting today, you should call (573) 886-4375 from your polling place.
