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Election 2022

Clerk Shelly Howell to seek second term

Justin Addison, Editor/Publisher
Posted 1/11/22

Howard County Clerk Shelly Howell has announced her intent to seek a second term. The filing period for the 2022 August primary and November general elections opens on February 22 and closes at 5 …

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Election 2022

Clerk Shelly Howell to seek second term

Posted

Howard County Clerk Shelly Howell has announced her intent to seek a second term. The filing period for the 2022 August primary and November general elections opens on February 22 and closes at 5 p.m. on March 29.

A Republican, Howell handily won a three-way race for County Clerk in 2018. Prior to that, she served as Howard County Deputy Circuit Court Clerk for 19 years. 

“My first term has been an eventful one and I can honestly say I have enjoyed every minute of it,” Howell said. “Our office faced its first challenge when the flood occurred in 2019. We worked closely with the Floodplain Administrator to submit damage claims, while also holding two elections, and cooperating with the audit conducted by Stopp & VanHoy, a private auditor contracted with the Missouri State Auditor’s office.”

With a heated general election in 2020, Howell said she expected a record voter turnout. With the help of a grant from the Missouri Secretary of State’s office, she was able to purchase electronic poll pads to more efficiently conduct the election and accommodate a large number of voters.

“My goal throughout the year was to get our office prepared for that event,” Howell said. “I’m proud to say that no glitches occurred and things went smoothly in the county on election night.” 

Howard County experienced the largest ever voter turnout with 73%. 

“In total, we have had seven elections on my watch as County Clerk, with no mishaps. We also had a CID special election for the City of Fayette, a first-ever for this office,” said Howell.

In addition to holding elections in 2020, the Clerk’s office also passed a performance audit completed by the Missouri State Auditor’s office. Another financial audit in 2021 was performed by Williams-Keepers. “All in all my office has gone through three audits and there have been zero discrepancies found,” Howell said.

Covid-19 also brought Howell additional responsibilities as the budget officer for the county in 2020. “Our County received CARES funding from the State of Missouri in the amount of $1,173,317, and it was my job to work with the Commission to ensure the funds were spent in a legal and appropriate manner,” she said.

The pandemic also caused a two-month delay in municipal and school board elections in 2020. “My office had to effectively spread the word regarding the April 2020 election when it was continued to June 2, two weeks prior to the election date,” Howell recalled. “My office worked with the election judges to ensure their health safety by providing face shields, masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, anti-bacterial wipes, and anything else that was needed to provide a clean environment.” 

The Clerk’s office facilitated roadside and curbside voting for those who did not, or could not, make it into their voting locations.

“The elections had to continue regardless and my office, and the election judges, had to make adjustments,” Howell explained.

If re-elected, Howell said her goals for next term are to continue to ensure fair elections for Howard County citizens, and clean audits for the county so that taxpayers know that their tax dollars are being spent appropriately.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the citizens of Howard County for electing me in this rewarding position in 2018, and I would ask for their support and vote in 2022 so I can continue to serve the county we all call home.”

This year’s primary election will take place on August 2, with the general election slated for  Tuesday, November 8.

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