Tomorrow is the presidential preference primary in Missouri, and predictions based on absentee balloting so far indicate a low voter turnout.  Stone County Clerk Judy Berkstresser hopes voters go to the polls in greater numbers than expected…

Judy Berkstresser 2012A272   

Berkstresser refers to the Secretary of State, who is encouraging voter participation in the primary.  Taney County Clerk Donna Neeley is expecting a lower number…

Donna Neeley 2012A273    

For Republicans, the primary results are non-binding, with decisions to be made by caucus next month.  Berkstresser says voters may be frustrated that the primary is being held in  Missouri, given the estimated 7-million dollar cost, but she expects some voters to go to the polls as a way of expressing dissatisfaction with Washington.  The polls will be open tomorrow from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.  You can still vote absentee at your county courthouse until the close of business today if you’re unable to go to the polls on Tuesday.

=====(2^nd version)=====

Turnout at the polls is expected to be low for tomorrow’s Missouri presidential primary.  With the statewide turnout predicted at 23-percent, Stone County Clerk Judy Berkstresser looks for 20-percent of registered voters to cast ballots.  Taney County Clerk Donna Neeley says absentee voting so far indicates just 16-percent of voters will go to the polls.  It’s a primary for the Democrats, but non-binding for Republicans, with caucuses being held next month.  Berkstresser says some voters may go to the polls as a means of expressing their dissatisfaction…

Judy Berkstresser 2012A274    

Neeley says the prediction for tomorrow’s turnout is based on absentee votes cast so far, which is roughly half the turnout four years ago…

Donna Neeley 2012A275        

If you’re unable to go to the polls tomorrow, you can still vote absentee today at your county courthouse.  The polls open at 6 a.m. and will remain open until 7 p.m.

=====(3rd version)=====

A low turnout of voters is expected for Tuesday’s presidential primary.  Based on absentee votes already cast as of Friday, Taney County Clerk Donna Neeley is predicting that only 16-percent of registered voters will go to the polls…

Donna Neeley 2012A277    

On the Republican side, the results of the primary are non-binding, with decisions to be made next month by caucus.  Stone County Clerk Judy Berkstresser is hoping for a 20-percent turnout, but she says some voters may go to the polls out of frustration…

Judy Berkstresser 2012A276    

Secretary of State Robin Carnahan predicts a turnout of nearly 23-percent statewide, and encourages voters to participate in the presidential primary.  The polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.