FREE ACCESS: Democratic Central Committee looks to reform in 2024

For the first time in nearly four years, the Butler County Democratic Central Committee looks to balance out the state’s political realm.

Jean Turner Cross has spearheaded the effort to reactivate the committee — with 15 to 20 seats currently open.

“Each county in Missouri is encouraged to have a Democratic Central Committee so they can stay in touch with the party headquarters (in the state),” said Cross. “It is an easier way to get the information to the voters through a central committee, through that network.”

The filing window commences Feb. 26 and concludes March 27. There isn’t a filing fee.

“I have just taken it upon myself to try and get it active again so that we can be organized and get info out to the voters in a more structured way,” said Cross.

In 2022, Gov. Mike Parsons signed House Bill 1878 into law eliminating the state-run presidential primary election, which occurred in April of any election year.

The state-run election process has been replaced by a party-run primary/caucus, which will be implemented for the first time in March.

The Missouri GOP has chosen Saturday, March 2, for all counties in Missouri to conduct their caucus (see accompanying story).

The Missouri Democratic Party has chosen Saturday, March 23, for their presidential primary. Democrats in Butler County who want to vote in person may do so on that day from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at New Life Christian Church United at 301 N. Main in Poplar Bluff.

If you live in a county that has not designated an in-person voting site, you may vote at the Poplar Bluff site. Independents wanting to vote for a Democratic candidate may also vote there.

Voters must present a valid government issued ID to vote. If you registered to vote as a Republican, you will not be able to vote at this site.

Democratic voters who prefer to vote by mail-in ballot may request a ballot at https://request.mrgvote.com/Missouri by March 12. More information is available on the Missouri Democratic Party website or by calling Cross at 870-273-7245.

“We are in a heavily Republican area, but I think in a democracy, both parties need to be organized and heard and that is why I am doing that. Democrats in this area are not organized and we need to be,” said Cross. “If people want to represent their county or township, they can file with the county clerk. The group will not be organized until the fall.”

Another democratic group, Indivisible SEMO/Poplar Bluff, has not been active since 2016, Cross said.

“That is a group … they say they are non-partisan because they want to appeal to not only Democrats but independents who lean in that direction, and others that are affiliated with any political party. It is a nationwide movement, and it leans strongly to the democratic platform on the issues,” said Cross. “There was a group that started here in 2016 but hasn’t been active since.”

For additional information, contact Cross at 870-273-7245.