Board of Elections says FY26 is a low-election year; move to new offices and outreach plans ongoing

The St. Louis City Board of Elections presented its FY26 budget to the Budget and Public Employees Committee on May 14, describing a “down year” for scheduled citywide elections but noting one special election and continued work to relocate and modernize operations.

Gary Stoff, Republican director of elections, and Ben Borgmeyer, Democratic director, said the board expects no citywide election in FY26 but will administer an eighth-ward special election in July. Stoff told the committee the office’s staffing and operating lines allocated in the proposed budget are sufficient for routine operations in a down year, though the directors noted facility and infrastructure needs tied to their move to 1520 Market Street that may require capital or supplemental funding.

“We appreciate what has been allocated,” Stoff said, and he asked the committee to consider future needs tied to infrastructure at the new…