Council May Override Veto of $1.2M Voting Machines

The St. Charles County Council may vote on overriding a veto on purchasing voting system equipment for $1.2 million during its 7 p.m. meeting Monday.

after the council approved it 4-1 during its last purchase. He objected to having one bidder on such a large purchase. Ehlmann blamed federal and state regulations for creating a system in which just one company is certified to sell voting machines in the state.

Ehlmann said the county should hold off on the purchase until another company is authorized to sell the equipment so they can receive a competitive bid.

Henry M. Adkins & Son was the only bidder. Election Authority Director Rich Chrismer said they are the only company certified to sell the machines in Missouri.

are necessary to protect against voter fraud. He also said the veto prevents him from doing his job as an elected official.

Five votes are needed to override the veto.

The agenda for Monday includes setting the projected tax rates for the county. Staff recommended keeping the same rates as in 2011. The rates officially are set in the fall, but projected rates are set so property owners can project their tax bill.

Items on the agenda that have been tabled include:

• A bill amending telecommunications towers and antennas regulations;
• A bill to place on the November ballot a charter amendment forfeiting a county council seat and filling a council vacancy;
• A bill amending building codes and blasting regulations.

The council meets at the St. Charles County Executive Building, 100 North Third St.