Long Lines at Blue Springs Early Voting Location
This afternoon in Blue Springs, Missouri, the anticipation of early voting brought out approximately 170 residents, ready and eager to make their voices heard just a week ahead of the November 5 Election Day. While many expect a wait, a growing crowd outside the Jackson County Election Board’s early voting location faced an unexpected reality: a two-hour line.
“Holy S—! But Here We Go”
As Taylor Batson, a Blue Springs resident, joined the line, her initial reaction was a candid expression of surprise. “Holy s—! But here we go,” she exclaimed. Despite facing a minor inconvenience, Batson, who makes her vote count in every election, was determined to stand her ground.
People from nearby communities, including Raytown, Independence, and Lee’s Summit, lined up to cast their votes at this one of two locations in Jackson County, which caters to voters residing outside Kansas City. Among the crowd were seniors sitting with the support of their walkers, and parents cradling their babies—all coming together for a significant cause.
Weathering the Winds of Change
The windy conditions posed a slight nuisance for many, including Batson, whose anatomy and physiology textbook kept fluttering. Yet, she remained fueled by a passion for voting, stating, “I’m here for my rights, my women’s rights.” Her motivation resonated with many in the line, as varying demographics united for a common purpose.
Record-Breaking Early Voting
According to Tammy Brown, the director of the Jackson County Election Board, this year’s early voting numbers are unprecedented. With over 20 years of experience under her belt, she noted, “I have never seen this kind of turnout ever before Election Day.” The enthusiasm is evident, thanks to both parties encouraging voters to show up early, significantly mobilizing the community.
On the previous weekend, some voters faced waits of up to four hours due to an influx of attendees so significant that the election board had to deploy an additional six voting machines at their satellite early voting location. “We just don’t have any big buildings out here,” Brown explained, adding some context to the situation in Blue Springs.
Capacity Challenges at Voting Locations
Currently, the Blue Springs early voting center is operating at maximum capacity, with 18 voting machines and 12 paper ballot stations located at the Fleming Meeting Hall, a community hub resembling a cozy ranch-style home. In comparison, the Kansas City Election Board operates with six locations serving a similar number of voters, creating a notable disparity in accessibility.
Participation Soars
As of Monday, October 28, more than 10,600 individuals had already voted early in Jackson County, which represents about 3.8% of the county’s registered voter population outside the Kansas City limits. On the Missouri side of the Kansas City area, just over 63,000 ballots have been cast in person.
Both early voting hotspots in Blue Springs and Independence are seeing similar traffic, processing around 100 voters per hour. With these numbers, Brown encourages anyone looking to vote to prepare adequately. “Bring a chair, some water, and snacks, and dress for the weather,” she advised. It’s also a good idea for voters to have a plan in place—like writing down their choices ahead of time and confirming their name and address on the Jackson County Election Board’s website— to help keep the line moving efficiently.
Upcoming Voter Options
For those who can’t make it to early voting, there’s still hope! Over 50 polling locations will open on Tuesday throughout the county for Election Day, ensuring more opportunities for residents to make their voices heard.
In the spirit of community and civic engagement, it’s an exciting time for voters across Blue Springs and the broader Kansas City area. Do you have questions or need assistance regarding upcoming elections? Reach out to local service journalism teams who are dedicated to helping you find out what you need to know.
