Alton, Mo. – Despite heavy rains, storms, winds, flooded roads, and downed trees, Missourians came out in force to vote in the general elections on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. With record-breaking crowds casting their ballots in person, the polling judges quickly ran out of the ‘I Voted’ stickers by noon, synonymous with voting. At the Alton First Baptist Church, wet weather brought out the voters. Those that could, arrived in the morning. Others came in the afternoon after MODOT cleared and flattened their dirt roads. While several vehicles arrived later than they wanted, voters were relaxed, knowing school was canceled due to the weather. Oregon County experienced peaceful voting despite a very full parking lot. No one rioted. No bombs went off. Under the church overhang, voters even took time to talk with neighbors.
Some of yesterday’s races were close. But by the time the counting was done, we had our winners. Here are the results.
National Races
President
The Trump/Vance ticket garnered 3,882 votes, compared to the Harris/Waltz’s 696 votes. He received 84% of our county’s votes.
Senate
Incumbent Hawley received 3,632 votes, 80% of the votes cast.
Representative
Incumbent Jason Smith got 3,718 votes, winning by 83% of the votes.
State Races
Governor
With Governor Parson retiring, his seat was open. Mike Kehoe took 82% of the votes, 3,713.
Lieutenant Governor
This important position works closely with our governor. Wasinger took 79% of the votes, 3,499 votes.
Secretary of State
This position ensures that numbers are counted correctly and without fraud. Denny Hoskins received 3,535 votes or 80% of the votes.
State Treasurer
This position controls the money. Vivek Malek took this honor with 79% of the votes, 3,492.
Attorney General
Incumbent Andrew Bailey won the most votes with 83% of our votes or 3683 votes.
State Senator
Incumbent Jason Bean again won the senate seat to represent Oregon County, taking 3,686 votes, or 84%.
State Rep for District 153
For our district, Keith Elliott tallied the most votes, 83% of the votes being 3,719.
Oregon County Races
Associate Commissioners
Dennis Morgan and Jake Parker each won associate commissioner tickets in their respective areas.
Sheriff
Incumbent Eric King again won this title, running uncontested.
Assessor
Doug Bridges again easily won the position of assessor, running uncontested.
Coroner
And Tom Clary again won the title of coroner.
County Administrator
Becky Granger retains the title of county administrator for all of the good work she does to help those in need.
Judges
We voted on several judges this time. Judge Privette was reelected with 100% of the votes. Then, each of the other judges, Broniec, Gooch, Borthwick, and Growcock, was reelected to retain their positions.
Amendments
Oregon County voted against each of the proposed amendments, except for Amendment 7, which only allows US citizens to vote and outlaws rank-choice voting. Prop A also did not pass in Oregon County.
Statistics
Of the 7,443 registered voters in Oregon County, 4,658, or 62%, cast their ballots in this monumental election. By 6:30 a.m., the parking lot was full. The full lot continued past 6:30 p.m., with voters still arriving. Each vote did matter. Alton had over 900 in-person ballots cast yesterday! Additionally, there were many first-time voters for this election, hoping it would not be their last election.
