BULGING BALLOTS: CAPE VOTERS CONSIDER ISSUES ON LENGTHY BALLOT

Cape Girardeau voters will consider 18 issues on the April 7 ballot, an unusually lengthy ballot.

Cape Girardeau County Clerk Rodney Miller recommends voters take time in advance of election day to consider the issues.

"This kind of lengthy ballot is more typical in larger cities," Miller said. "We usually don't have this many issues."

If voters come to the polls without some information about what they will decide, Miller fears long waits at polling places.

"People may want to read the ballot ahead of time and even make some decisions," he said. "Some people use the sample ballots to mark their decisions and bring that with them on election day.

A copy of the ballot appears inside the newspaper today, and the ballot can be found on Cape Girardeau County's Internet site at www.showme.net/CapeCounty/

Cape Girardeau voters will decide 15 municipal questions. They will choose council members and decide a number of fee increases and city charter proposals.

In addition, voters will select two members for the Cape Girardeau Board of Education election and decide two constitutional amendments.

This week, the Southeast Missourian will publish a series of stories explaining the issues.

The polling place for Precinct 6 in Cape Girardeau has changed to Grace United Methodist Church. Voters in this precinct had been voting at Franklin Elementary School.

Miller said the site was changed to better accommodate voters.

"At the school we had trouble with parking and traffic congestion," Miller said. "At Grace, we can enter and leave on the lower level. I think it will be very convenient for voters."

Voters in Precinct 6 were sent cards notifying them of the change.

A complete list of polling places is also available on the Internet.

Miller said it is too early to predict voter turnout for the April 7 election.

"We haven't had many absentee votes," he said, "but that usually happens the last week."

Application for absentee ballot may be made in person or by mail.

Applications must state applicants' name, address at where they are registered, reason for voting absentee ballot, and the address to which the ballot is to mailed.

Absentee ballots may be returned in person up to the day before the election.

When is the election?

Tuesday, April 7

What time do the polls open and close?

Polls open at 6 a.m. and close at 7 p.m.

Have any polling places changed?

Yes. Cape Girardeau voters in precinct 6 will cast ballots at Grace United Methodist Church, ??. In the past these people have voted at Franklin Elementary School.

Where can I get a copy of the ballot before election day?

A copy of the Cape Girardeau County ballot is published in the Southeast Missourian today, Monday, March 30. It was also published in the newspaper March 23. You can also find the ballot online at the county's Web site, www.showme.net/CapeCounty/

I'm a registered voter but recently moved. I didn't notify the county clerk of this change. Can I still vote April 7?

Yes. If you know the polling location for your new address, go there to vote. If you aren't sure where the new polling location is, go to your previous polling place and they will help you.

Can I still register to vote for the April 7 election?

No. Registration books close the fourth Wednesday before each election. You may still register to vote and then participate in future elections.