Alton, Mo. – It was a rough election day in Oregon County. While St. Louis fought flooded streets, Alton and rural areas fought their own battles. Here are some of the stories.
Although the heavy rain did not fall overnight—which was good—it came right as the polling stations opened. Heavy downpours and strong winds made driving difficult, and the rain fell sideways.
Roads
We received 4-6 inches of rain on Monday. Schools closed on Monday so road crews could repair the dirt roads. Nonetheless, with such heavy rain in the early hours of Tuesday, low-lying areas were swamped.
Clearing?
One dedicated voter went down his dirt road early in the morning. It was flooded. He turned and went the other direction, only to find a tree down! Nonetheless, the tree was moved, and he made it safely into town to vote. He helped others make it safely to town to vote by moving the tree.
Another voter said that by 9 a.m., the road was 10 inches deep in mud. There was no way she could get through! However, by noon, MODOT had arrived, flattened the road, and laid new gravel, assisting her and others in their vote.
Another household lives way out in Wilderness. She had heard we could get storms, so she went in on Friday to cast her ballot and ensure her vote was counted.
Another voter showed up at 6 p.m. to vote, but this was not her precinct. She was set to brave the dense fog rolling in to make it to the correct polling place on time.
We appreciate the hard work from MODOT clearing the roads so voters could get out and cast their ballots.
No Problems
In good news, someone noted that
There are no riots, no bombs, no fires. Goodness, the electricity didn’t even go out.
Yes, after the past few years’ commotion, we welcome election day’s calmness.
