Holly Hoechstenbach | Staff Reporter

St. Charles County election volunteers were not surprised and even predicted a scarce turnout on Tuesday Feb. 7. As polls operated from 6 a.m. until 7 p.m., voters didn’t have to worry about waiting in lines as parking lots remained nearly empty at local churches and libraries. From 9 to 11 a.m., few residents walked through voting doors as scattered leaves blew through the unoccupied lots on what was supposed to be an important day.

According to St. Charles County polling locations, fewer than 30 percent turned out for this year’s primary. “At least some people are coming,” laughed Kevin Knerr, voting supervisor at Good Shepard church.

No electronic devices were admitted inside voting polls and any non-voters had to stand 25 feet away from polling entrance doors due to state law.

Why such low attendance at the polls?

St. Charles residents at Good Shepard church were willing to share their opinions on the meaningless primary.

George Harper, a retiree, believes the Missouri primary was a waste of money for Republicans. Harper didn’t even intend on voting as he took a morning walk.

“I walked right past the Good Shepard Church so I thought ‘Why not vote,’” he said.

Tina Boyle at Good Shepard Church also agreed the primary was a waste of time and money. Boyle voted in hopes that the caucus will be swayed by the primary.

“They need to change the laws,” she said. “I think everyone’s vote should count.”

Ed Gloyd, a retired electrician, enthusiastically declared he was a proud Ron Paul supporter.

“I hope President Obama gets booted out of office,” he said.

Compared to Good Shepard Church, Trinity Episcopal Church and Kisker Library had an even lower voter turnout. Within 30 minutes, only two to three voters appeared.

“Missouri’s 7 million was not well spent,” Gloyd said.