Final Day for Absentee Voting as Two Marshall Council Races Include Write-In Candidates

Saline County voters will decide on several local issues, including a senior tax credit expansion and a sales tax for street improvements.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 4:07pm

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A serene, cinematic painting depicting the interior of an empty polling station, with warm sunlight streaming in through the windows and casting deep shadows across the floor. A lone voter stands at a voting booth, their face obscured, capturing the quiet contemplation of the democratic process.The final hours of absentee voting set the stage for a pivotal municipal election that will shape the future of Saline County.Marshall Today

Monday, April 6th is the final day for Missouri voters in Saline County to cast an absentee ballot ahead of the April 7th municipal election. Several local races and issues are on the ballot, including two Marshall City Council wards with write-in candidates challenging incumbents. Voters will also decide on an expanded senior tax credit, a sales tax for street improvements in Marshall, and school bond measures in Sweet Springs.

Why it matters

Local elections often have lower voter turnout, but the decisions made can have a significant impact on a community. These races and ballot measures will shape the future of infrastructure, taxes, and education funding in Saline County.

The details

In Marshall, Ward 4 has a contested race between incumbent Carter Fawkes and challenger John Walden. Wards 2 and 3 will feature write-in candidates - Bob Gauert is challenging incumbent Jim Papreck in Ward 2, while Aaron Gibson, Mike Mills, and Michael Varner are vying for an open seat in Ward 3. Voters across Saline County will also decide on a senior tax credit expansion, a half-cent sales tax for street improvements in Marshall, and a $3 million school bond issue in Sweet Springs.

  • Monday, April 6th is the final day for absentee voting.
  • The municipal election will be held on Tuesday, April 7th.

The players

Brittni Burton

Saline County Clerk, who reminds voters that write-in votes must have the bubble filled in next to the blank and the name written in.

Carter Fawkes

Incumbent Marshall City Council member in Ward 4, seeking re-election.

John Walden

Challenger for the Marshall City Council Ward 4 seat.

Bob Gauert

Write-in candidate challenging incumbent Jim Papreck for the Marshall City Council Ward 2 seat.

Jim Papreck

Incumbent Marshall City Council member in Ward 2, being challenged by a write-in candidate.

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What they’re saying

“For a write-in vote to count, the bubble must be filled in next to the blank, and the name written in.”

— Brittni Burton, Saline County Clerk

What’s next

Voters in Saline County will head to the polls on Tuesday, April 7th to cast their ballots in the municipal election. The results of the contested City Council races and ballot measures will be announced that evening.

The takeaway

This election will have a direct impact on the future of infrastructure, taxes, and education funding in Saline County. Voter turnout, especially for local races, is crucial to ensuring the community's priorities are represented.