Missouri Presidential Preference Primary: Will You Be Voting?

It's true, , meaning that although it will cost millions statewide to hold this election, the GOP nominee will be chosen at a March 17 caucus rather than at the polls today. 

Still many say Missouri voters should flex their muscles and show who they want to represent in the 2012 presidential election. Although the importance leans heavily on the Republican candidates, there are still candidates for which the Democrats and Libertarians still have to vote.

"I encourage all Missourians to show the political insiders and pundits that we want a say in our presidential nominating process by voting tomorrow," said Robin Carnahan, Missouri Secretary of State on her facebook page Monday. 

Why A "Beauty Contest" Primary?

In 2010, the Republican National Committee (RNC) set new rules for the 2012 race that would punish any state beyond a certain few, that had a primary or caucus before March 6, 2012. Let's just say Missouri was not one of them. The exceptions list includes Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina and Nevada, so the state's GOP decided to hold caucuses in mid-March.

State Sen. Kevin Engler told STL Public Radio that he agrees that it's a waste to spend an estimated $7 million on Missouri's primary, but added that Republicans pushed legislation to cancel the election that he said didn't get enough support.

In actuality, during the month of April last year, the Missouri House of Representatives and Senate passed a bill that would move the date of the Presidential primary. The new date for the election would be the first Tuesday after the first Monday in March, which was the earliest date allowed by the RNC. The bill passed in the House by a vote of 137 to 11 and in the Senate 31 to 2.

But in July, Governor Nixon vetoed the bill. 

GOP Candidates Participating

For those that my be disappointed, Newt Gingrich will have to sit the Missouri primary out. He missed the deadline to file for the Missouri primary. He did however speak with CNN about plotting a Southern revival.

Nevada winner and front-runner, Mitt Romney, took aim at rival Rick Santorum, according to CNN, indicating concern that Santorum might be poised for a strong showing in this week's Republican presidential contests.

This could be attributed to Santorum actually showing up in Missouri and reaching out to voters. Santorum was in , and will be in St. Charles Tuesday to . 

What about Ron Paul? His plan appears to be seeking stronger showings in upcoming caucuses to slow front-runner Mitt Romney's momentum. 

How To Vote

The polls opened at 6 a.m., and won't close until 7 p.m. Go to www.govotemissouri.com to look up your voting information and find your polling place.

Find a complete list of candidates for the Tuesday, Feb. 7 primary here. 

View sample ballots from St. Louis County website by clicking the below links:

• Republican Sample Ballot
• Democratic Sample Ballot
• Libertarian Sample Ballot 

In the , polling places include:

Interested in gauging your neighbor's views before heading to the polls? Check out our .