Local election officials, voters urge civility as the presidential election nears

CHRISTIAN COUNTY, Mo. — With the Presidential Election just under four months away, local election officials are urging voters to not resort to political violence and instead let their voices be heard through the ballot box.

“You need to get out and vote. Every vote counts,” said Paula Brumfield. “And that’s your civic duty is to vote. You know, if you’re a citizen, U.S. citizen, that’s your right to vote.”

Christian County Clerk Paula Brumfield understands the importance of the upcoming presidential election, but she’s urging people to respect one another and the candidates.

“No one needs to die for an election, you know, it’s just not right,” said Brumfield.

Brumfield tells me her office is gearing up to see more voters than even a typical November election. She’s hoping people will trust the election process versus trying to take matters into their own hands.

“We are going to look at our policies and procedures to see what we could possibly do to make everything a little bit safer for voters,” Brumfield said. “But I urge anyone that wants to vote to come to our office and vote absentee if they feel scared or nervous.”

Christian County resident Darrell Tonsing says he first saw the news about Saturday’s shooting on Facebook. He is reminding people that if they want to see change, it needs to be through voting.

“We should never resort to violence,” said Tonsing. “I think our country needs people to get more aware of what’s going on in the government circles. First of all, I think it’s most important that we pray for our leaders.”

Tonsing says this upcoming presidential election is one of the more important elections in recent memory.

“We are so busy. We’re such a busy society,” Tonsing said. “If we don’t get to know the candidates, we don’t hold them accountable. And it’s a good setup. Our Constitution was set up to work and it does work, but it doesn’t work for people who don’t get involved in the political process,” said Tonsing.

Before voters can cast their ballots for the November election, they can vote in the August 6th primary, which is only a few weeks away.

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