JEFFERSON CITY — The Missouri House Monday rejected a plan to reinstate the state’s presidential preference primary for 2024.
For voters, that likely will mean heading to closed party caucuses to choose who will be at the top of the ballot next year, rather than casting a vote for a candidate at a traditional polling place.
The measure, sponsored by Rep. Cyndi Buchheit-Courtway, R-Festus, faced little debate before it was rejected on a 65-56 vote, with 31 members voting “present.” Legislation needs 82 votes in the House to become law.
In arguing in favor of restoring the primary, Buchheit-Courtway said forcing people to attend caucus meetings will suppress turnout.
“If we do not right this wrong, we’ll be saying we support the closed-door caucus system,” she said.
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Party leaders on both sides of the aisle earlier called on lawmakers to approve the switch in order to include as many people as possible in the election process.
But lawmakers were reluctant to reverse course after they eliminated what is considered a nonbinding “beauty contest” last year.
The primary was cut last year after lobbying by Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft, a Republican, who has said the contest doesn’t actually matter, given party caucuses decide how delegates are awarded.
Ashcroft, who is running for governor in 2024, said the elimination will save election administration costs.
It is unlikely that the measure can be resurrected before the legislative session ends on May 12.
The legislation is .