Marston flap results in removal of election judge

MARSTON, Mo. -- While the low election turnout in New Madrid County was expected, a controversy involving an election judge and a ballot was not.

New Madrid County Clerk Clement Cravens said he received a complaint early Tuesday involving the Marston North Ward race for alderman that had three candidates seeking election.

"A man said a voter was assisted by the election judge and she marked a ballot without marking who he truly wished it to be marked for," Cravens said.

The clerk said he listened to both sides and because of the circumstances decided protocol called for the judge to be replaced at that time.

"There is no guilt, it's just normal procedure when a complaint is received," he said.

Further discussions with the complainant, the election judge and any witnesses will take place, Cravens said.

"However, due to the outcome of the race, the unofficial results show that the outcome won't be affected by the one ballot," he said.

According to an unofficial tally, the race in the North Ward was won by Joe Howell, who tallied 57 votes. Joe Ross had 31 votes and 9 votes were cast for Wayne Newsom.

Pertinent address:

Marston, MO