VOTING PROCESS BRINGS ABOUT QUESTIONS

BENTON, Mo. -- Rita Milam, Scott County clerk, prepared the following list of frequently asked questions concerning Tuesday's primary election:

Q: Why do I have to pick a party ballot for this election?

A: This is a primary election. The person receiving the greatest number of votes as a party candidate for an office shall be the only candidate of that party at the general election.

Q: Will it matter in November what party ballot I pick for this election?

A: No, at the November general election all parties will be listed on one ballot.

Q: Can anyone find out which party ballot I requested or who I voted for?

A: No. Once you drop your ballot into the locked ballot box, it is not opened until it is returned to the election authority to count the ballots. The only markings on the ballots are the initials of two election judges from different political parties.

Q: Why am I given a number beside my name when I vote?

A: All voters' names on the precinct register shall be numbered consecutively in the order in which they have signed the register, starting with number 1.

The precinct register shall then constitute the poll list. The total number of voters also is compared to the number of ballots that are counted for that precinct.