Boone County and Missouri Democrats casted their votes at Columbia’s Activity and Recreation Center on Saturday for its 2024 Presidential Primary.
Saturday’s primary was the first party-run presidential contest since Missouri Republicans passed a 2020 law that created stricter voting requirements.
The Missouri Democratic Party elected to hold a primary, in contrast to the caucus held by Republicans earlier this month.
Anyone who registered by Feb. 21 with the Missouri Secretary of State’s office was eligible to vote on Saturday, so long as they were not registered as a Republican in the state.
The Chair of the Boone County Democratic Party said the primary started early on Saturday.
“We had several voters show up a little before 8:00 (a.m.) today, so we had to hurry and set up, but it has been fairly smooth,” Lyra Noce said.
“The turnout (has) exceeded anyone’s imagination,” voter Scott Cristal said. “Everyone’s very friendly, very glad to be here, stop in, do their duty and vote, and then visit for a little while and then move on.”
While many said the Primary went smoothly, Noce hopes the state returns to the former voting method.
“I hope that this is the only time we’re going to have to do this,” Noce said. “But if not, we have a team of dedicated volunteers who organize well, and I’m very proud of their work.”
The ballot list included incumbent President Joe Biden, Jason Palmer, Marianne Williamson, former candidate Dean Phillips and two others. There was also an “uncommitted” option.
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One voter, Sharon Feltman, said she feels “uncommitted” is the only option for her at this time.
“I am 100% against Biden sending money and weapons to Israel so they can murder more innocent people,” Feltman said. “I don’t know what I’m going to do in the general election. I just can’t in good conscience vote for our president at this time.”
In addition to the voters, local Democratic candidates attended the Primary to vote and speak to Boone County Democrats.
Jeff Basinger is running for State Representative in House District 50 on the Democratic side. He said he’s enjoyed meeting people.
“I feel like I’ve been closing the circle on the number of people that are super involved and want to make things better and I’ve learned some things too, about issues that are not exactly my background,” Basinger said.
Fellow House District 50 candidate Gregg Bush said the experience was like a family homecoming.
“People are really excited and fired up about making sure that Boone County stays blue as blue as we can, and making sure that we send making sure that we send Joe Biden back to the White House,” Bush said.
The deadline for mail-in ballots has been extended by a week because of mail delays, and must be received by the party before next Saturday.
Following the voting period, all ballots have been or will be transported to a tabulation facility in Jefferson City.