Election Shocker: Grassroots Movement Rattles Missouri

Person walking with stroller past numerous election campaign signs.

A grassroots movement is challenging the election status quo in Missouri, aiming to restore trust through hand-counted ballots.

Story Snapshot

Jen Olson campaigns for St. Charles County Director of Elections, challenging incumbent Kurt Bahr.
Olson advocates replacing electronic voting machines with hand-counted paper ballots to ensure transparency.
Her campaign is rooted in grassroots support and small donations, emphasizing local control and accountability.
The outcome could set a precedent for election integrity reforms across Missouri.

Olson’s Grassroots Campaign for Election Integrity

Jen Olson, a conservative activist and former Wentzville Board of Education member, has embarked on a campaign to unseat the incumbent Director of Elections, Kurt Bahr, in St. Charles County. Since 2020, Olson has been vocal about her concerns regarding electronic voting machines, advocating for their replacement with hand-counted paper ballots to restore public trust in the electoral process. Her candidacy represents a local grassroots movement aiming to reclaim election integrity through transparency and accountability.

The Grassroot Warrior Fighting to Save Missouri’s Elections: Jen Olson’s Battle for St. Charles Countyhttps://t.co/RT9LGDbwnP https://t.co/OrG1Q0NBah

— John Larson (@JohnLarson2204) January 26, 2026

Olson’s campaign has gained traction among local conservatives who share her skepticism towards electronic voting systems. Her efforts emphasize the importance of adhering to Missouri law, which permits hand-counted ballots at the precinct level. Olson argues that this approach will enhance voter confidence and rectify perceived vulnerabilities in the current system, such as unverifiable machine codes and past incidents of tampering, including wire-cutting before the 2022 elections.

Challenging the Status Quo

The current Director of Elections, Kurt Bahr, has defended the use of voting machines, citing efficiency and technological advancements. However, his administration has faced criticism over a lack of transparency and accountability, particularly following the wire-cutting incident. Olson positions herself as a battle-hardened outsider, leveraging her non-political background as a mother and data analyst to connect with voters who are disillusioned with the political establishment.

Her campaign is distinct in that it relies on small donations from local supporters rather than large contributions from big donors. This grassroots approach underscores her commitment to local control and the belief that election processes should reflect the values and priorities of the community.

Potential for Statewide Reform

Olson’s push for hand-counted ballots aligns with broader conservative values of individual liberty and limited government intervention. A successful campaign could inspire similar reforms across Missouri, especially in other conservative-leaning areas. By prioritizing transparency and public trust, Olson aims to set a precedent for election integrity that challenges the influence of technology in democratic processes.

If elected, Olson’s policies could serve as a model for other counties, demonstrating a feasible shift towards more transparent and community-involved electoral practices. Such changes would not only reinforce the integrity of elections but also empower citizens to play a more active role in the democratic process.