Live local election coverage offered online

Beginning at 7 p.m. tonight, log on to www.semissourian.com for the latest breaking news from elections around Southeast Missouri. Post your opinions on our Election 2007 political forum and stay up-to-the-minute on tax issues and races. Here's a peek at a few stories we'll be following throughout the evening...

Perry County

Perry County voters are deciding today whether to approve a three-eighths-cent sales tax to fund the estimated $3.5 million project to expand and repair the county jail.

The Perry County Jail is too crowded, outdated and unsafe, say proponents of a sales tax increase.

Scott County

BENTON, Mo. -- Voters across Scott County will decided whether or not to extend the county's half-cent sales tax for law enforcement today.

The tax was originally approved by voters in 2000 to fund the construction and staffing of a new county jail and is set to expire next year. The Scott County Commission is asking voters to extend the tax perpetually to continue funding law enforcement and free up general revenue money that would have to be diverted to law enforcement if the tax was not collected.

The tax brings in about $1.6 million per year for the county, which also has a half-cent tax for general revenue.

Voters in Chaffee will select a new mayor from four candidates -- current city council members Jesse "Jack" Nordin and Retta Mohorc, former council member Ronald Davis and waitress Hope Huey, who is campaigning on a clean-up-the-police-department and open government platform.

Voters will also elect members of their governing boards throughout the county.

Check back throughout the evening for more coverage at www.semissourian.com and read Wednesday's Southeast Missourian.