Interstate 70 series takes a detour to Sedalia

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Missouri Secretary of State Matt Blunt wants to know: Cardinals or Royals?

The state's chief elections official said Tuesday that a mock election will be held at the Missouri State Fair asking attendees whether they favor the St. Louis Cardinals or their Interstate 70 cousins the Kansas City Royals.

The ballot will be available Thursday, when the fair opens, through the conclusion of the fair on Aug. 17. Also featured on the mock ballot will be a question asking Missourians to name their favorite recreational sport in the state.

In keeping with the spirit of the election, Blunt has waived the requirement that voters be at least 18 years old.

"Few topics elicit as many impassioned statements in Missouri since the 1985 World Series," said Blunt, referring to the series when the Royals defeated the Cardinals. "I look forward to the verdict of the ballot box at the State Fair, where the people will decide which two of these clubs is the best team in baseball."

The Cardinals hold a 14-13 winning advantage since the teams began interleague play in 1997 although the Royals won the 1985 World Series.

Geography may also play into the election, since the State Fair is being held in Sedalia, which is twice as far from St. Louis as it is from Kansas City.