Torrential rainfall in St. Louis, Missouri, has led to flash floods, forcing voters to be redirected to alternate polling locations on Election Day. As the nation votes on November 5 to choose between Democratic candidate Kamala Harris and Republican candidate Donald Trump, the severe weather has transformed streets into rivers, complicating access to voting sites.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office reported that some voters accused deputies of intentionally suppressing votes. In response, they emphasized their commitment to keeping voters informed about road closures and urged citizens to ask for alternative routes if needed.
The area is completely flooded and currently closed. Please use alternate route. #STLwx https://t.co/3l9e9vKaVe pic.twitter.com/Mlze52yUWl
— St. Louis, MO Police (@SLMPD) November 5, 2024
In Bellefontaine Neighbors, the Holy Name Community Center polling station experienced a power outage due to the storms. Despite the challenge, voting continued using generator power, and voters were advised to take detours.
Before 7 a.m., the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Twin River Road near Highway W was impassable, hindering access to the Brookdale Farms polling site in Eureka. The unprecedented rainfall has shattered November records, flooding homes and prompting the closure of schools and other facilities.
As the 2024 US presidential election unfolds, election officials are cautioning counties against delaying the certification of results. They have prepared legal actions to prevent any attempts to stall the process, particularly in light of concerns from Republican candidate Donald Trump, who has previously raised allegations of election malfeasance.