Delta rejects option to forgo some elections

Of the six Cape Girardeau County communities to vote this year on a measure allowing them to forgo annual elections if races are uncontested, Delta is the only city to reject it.

Allenville, Gordonville, Oak Ridge, Pocahontas and Whitewater approved the question back in April.

Delta voted on the measure Tuesday, putting it down 80 percent to 20 percent. Only 35 of the town's nearly 300 registered voters cast votes.

A change in state law in 2014 allowed cities, towns or villages with populations of 1,000 or fewer to stop putting uncontested races on the ballot if voters approved a related ordinance. For small towns that rarely see contested elections, it prevents them from spending money on election-related expenses. Approval of the measure eliminates write-in candidate options, as well.

Pertinent address:

Delta, Mo.