The Jefferson Review Voters Guide

Special Edition

The Jefferson Review Voters Guide is designed to help voters hear directly from the candidates seeking to represent Jefferson County. Candidate answers are published as submitted so readers can compare responses in each race.

Editor’s Note: Candidate responses are not endorsements by The Jefferson Review. Answers are provided by the candidates and are shared for voter information.

Steve Earp

Political Party Affiliation: Republican

Short Candidate Bio

Steve Wyatt Earp is a conservative Republican, small business owner, and political strategist with more than 25 years of experience in Missouri politics and public policy. Throughout his career, he has helped elect more than 100 candidates and earned a reputation for bringing people together to solve problems and deliver results.

Earp managed Kenny Waller's successful 2018 campaign for Jefferson County Clerk and remained a close friend and advisor throughout Waller's public service. Following Waller's passing, he felt called to continue the work they began by protecting the integrity and professionalism of Jefferson County elections.

As founder of Liberty Lawncare, Earp understands the values of hard work, accountability, and customer service. As Clerk, he will focus on preserving our current secure elections systems, government efficiency, maintaining accurate voter rolls, and safe record keeping.

Earp is the father of two children, Sophia and Dempsey, and resides in Jefferson County.

Why are you running for this office?

I never planned to run for office. For more than 25 years, I've worked behind the scenes helping elect conservative leaders, solve problems, and strengthen our communities. But today, Jefferson County's election system stands at a crossroads, and I believe it's time to step forward.

I am running for Jefferson County Clerk because I believe elections should be secure, accessible, efficient, and trusted by the public. Our current election system has served Jefferson County voters well for decades, and I oppose costly and unnecessary efforts to replace proven electronic tabulation with large- scale hand counting. The Clerk's job is to protect confidence in elections, not experiment with them.

I also believe every legal vote must be protected. That means supporting efforts to ensure only eligible citizens vote and maintaining accurate voter rolls that voters can trust. Finally, I believe we can improve service while reducing costs by transitioning to larger regional voting centers. This approach would provide greater convenience and accessibility for voters while making more efficient use of taxpayer dollars. I'm running to protect election integrity, modernize services, and ensure Jefferson County's elections remain secure, trusted, and professional for years to come.

What experience best prepares you to serve in this role?

For more than 25 years, I have built, managed, and coordinated complex political operations across Missouri, often overseeing multiple campaigns, staff members, volunteers, vendors, budgets, and timelines simultaneously. Success in that environment requires strategic planning, attention to detail, and the ability to anticipate challenges before they become problems.

My experience in elections has given me a unique understanding of how election systems function, where vulnerabilities can arise, and how to maintain public confidence through preparation, transparency, and sound administration. I've spent decades navigating high-pressure situations where mistakes carry real consequences, and I've learned that the best leaders solve problems before the public ever sees them.

Just as important, my career has placed me in direct contact with thousands of citizens from every walk of life. Listening to their concerns, identifying their needs, and finding practical solutions has been at the center of everything I do. Those experiences have prepared me to lead the Clerk's Office with foresight, discipline, and a commitment to serving the people of Jefferson County.

What is the most important issue facing Jefferson County right now?

The most important issue facing Jefferson County is creating a stronger economic future that allows our residents to work, invest, and build businesses closer to home. Today, nearly two-thirds of our workforce leaves the county each day for employment. That means too much of our economic activity, tax revenue, and opportunity are flowing elsewhere.

The development of the Jefferson County Port Authority presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to change that. While attracting industry is important, our long-term success will depend on creating an ecosystem where local small businesses can thrive alongside that growth. By attracting a large industrial anchor business, we provide small business opportunities for logistics, transportation, maintenance, marketing, professional services, and countless other support functions.

Through expanding our commercial tax base, we can reduce the burden on homeowners while generating the revenue needed to support quality schools, public safety, roads, and emergency services. Economic independence gives Jefferson County greater control over its future and reduces our reliance on outside markets and governments.

If we want to strengthen our communities and improve quality of life, we must focus on creating jobs and opportunities right here at home.

What is one specific thing you would like to accomplish during your term?

One specific goal I hope to achieve during my term is working with state lawmakers to strengthen voter identification standards by ensuring that government-issued photo IDs used for voting clearly verify legal citizenship status.

I believe every eligible citizen deserves confidence that their vote is protected and that our election system accurately reflects the will of the people. While Missouri has made important strides in election security, there is still room for improvement in how voter eligibility is verified at the polls.

As County Clerk, I would use my public policy experience and statewide connections to advocate for practical, commonsense reforms that make the process clearer, more secure, and easier for election workers to administer. A citizenship-verified photo ID would provide greater confidence in the system while reducing confusion and helping ensure consistent standards statewide.

My goal is not to make voting harder for eligible citizens. My goal is to make it easier for voters to trust the results by ensuring that every ballot cast comes from a qualified voter under Missouri law.

How would you describe your approach to serving taxpayers?

My approach to serving taxpayers is simple: treat every dollar as if it came out of my own pocket. Taxpayers work hard for their money, and they deserve a Clerk's Office that operates efficiently, professionally, and with full accountability.

I believe government should constantly look for ways to improve service while controlling costs. That means embracing practical innovations that save money, streamlining processes where possible, and ensuring resources are focused on core responsibilities rather than unnecessary bureaucracy.

As a small business owner, I understand the importance of balancing budgets, managing resources, and delivering results without wasting money. As County Clerk, I will bring that same mindset to the office by seeking efficiencies, planning ahead, and making decisions based on value rather than politics. Taxpayers deserve responsive service, transparent operations, and responsible stewardship of public funds. My goal is to provide all three while maintaining secure elections, accurate records, and a Clerk's Office that earns the public's trust every day.

What experience prepares you to serve as county clerk?

For more than 25 years, I have worked in politics, public policy, and election operations, helping manage campaigns, coordinate large organizations, and solve complex administrative challenges. Throughout my career, I have been responsible for overseeing budgets, personnel, compliance requirements, logistics, and strategic planning—many of the same management skills required to successfully lead the County Clerk's Office.

My experience in elections has given me a deep understanding of voter registration, election administration, polling operations, and the importance of maintaining public confidence in the electoral process. Having worked on campaigns across Missouri, I have seen firsthand what works, what doesn't, and how to identify potential problems before they become larger issues.

As a small business owner, I have also learned the value of accountability, customer service, and responsible financial stewardship. Most importantly, my career has been built around listening to people, understanding their concerns, and finding practical solutions.

The County Clerk's Office requires leadership, organization, and sound judgment. My professional experience has prepared me to bring all three to the job from day one.

How would you ensure elections are secure, accurate, and trusted by the public?

Ensuring elections are secure, accurate, and trusted by the public requires balancing security, transparency, and common sense. Jefferson County's current electronic tabulation system has served voters well for decades. These tabulators are not connected to the internet, are subject to testing and verification procedures, and provide fast, accurate results while maintaining a secure chain of custody.

I do not support replacing this proven system with large-scale hand counting. In a county with more than 160,000 registered voters, hand counting would require enormous manpower, significantly increase costs, delay election results, and create more opportunities for human error. Election integrity is achieved through sound administration and proven safeguards, not unnecessary complexity.

I also believe voters deserve confidence that only eligible citizens are participating in our elections. Maintaining accurate voter rolls and supporting stronger citizenship verification measures will help ensure every legal vote is protected.

Finally, I support expanding the use of regional voting centers that allow voters to cast their ballot securely at any designated location in the county. This provides greater convenience for working families, improves accessibility, reduces costs, and helps modernize election administration while maintaining the security and integrity voters expect.

What can be done to improve voter confidence in local elections?

To increase voter confidence in local elections, we must focus on three principles: security, transparency, and accessibility. Voters deserve to know that every legal ballot is counted accurately and that every election is conducted fairly.

That starts with maintaining accurate voter rolls, protecting the chain of custody for ballots, and ensuring only eligible voters participate under Missouri law. We should continue using secure electronic tabulation systems that are never connected to the internet while preserving paper records that can be audited and verified. In a county with more than 160,000 registered voters, this provides accuracy, efficiency, and accountability that would be impossible to achieve through full hand-counting alone.

Transparency is equally important. Citizens should be able to observe the process, review audit results, and understand exactly how elections are conducted. Regular post-election audits and clear public communication help build trust in the results.

Finally, we should make voting more convenient without sacrificing security. Well-trained election workers and voting centers that allow voters to cast a ballot at any authorized location can improve access while maintaining the integrity of the process.

Confidence in elections comes from a system that is secure, transparent, and worthy of the public's trust.

How should the clerk’s office communicate election deadlines, sample ballots, and voting information?

The Clerk's office should communicate election information through multiple channels so every voter has access to accurate and timely information. Election deadlines, registration requirements, polling locations, absentee voting procedures, and sample ballots should be posted prominently on the county website and updated regularly.

The office should also use social media, local newspapers, community organizations, and email or text notification programs where available to remind voters of important deadlines and upcoming elections. Information should be presented in clear, straightforward language that is easy to understand.

Sample ballots should be published well in advance of Election Day so voters can review candidates and ballot questions before arriving at the polls. Any changes to polling places, voting procedures, or election schedules should be communicated promptly and consistently across all platforms.

Most importantly, the Clerk's office should serve as a trusted source of factual information, providing timely updates and responding to voter questions in a professional, nonpartisan manner. Clear communication helps reduce confusion, improve participation, and strengthen public confidence in the election process.

What role should technology play in making public records and election information easier to access?

Technology should make government more transparent, accessible, and efficient for the public. The Clerk's office should embrace modern tools that allow citizens to access public records, election information, and government services quickly and securely without having to make unnecessary trips to the courthouse.

Election deadlines, polling locations, sample ballots, election results, and frequently requested public records should be easy to find through a user-friendly website that is available 24 hours a day. Online services can reduce wait times, improve accuracy, and help residents get the information they need when it is convenient for them.

At the same time, technology should enhance security, not compromise it. Election systems should remain protected from outside interference, with vote tabulation conducted on secure systems that are not connected to the internet. Public records systems should protect sensitive information while providing transparency where the law allows. My philosophy is simple: use technology to make government more accessible and responsive to the people, while maintaining the highest standards of security, accuracy, and public trust. When used properly, technology can improve customer service, increase transparency, and make county government work better for everyone.

How would you handle concerns from voters who are skeptical about election processes?

I believe every voter deserves to have their concerns heard and treated with respect. Confidence in elections is not built by dismissing questions—it is built through transparency, accountability, and open communication.

When voters have concerns about election procedures, I would encourage them to learn about the safeguards already in place, including voter registration verification, chain-of-custody procedures, bipartisan oversight, secure vote tabulation, and post-election audits. The Clerk's office should be willing to explain these processes clearly and provide factual information about how elections are conducted.

I also believe in making the process as transparent as possible by allowing public observation where permitted by law, publishing election information promptly, and communicating openly about how ballots are handled and counted. If legitimate concerns are identified, they should be investigated thoroughly and addressed appropriately.

The goal is not simply to tell people to trust the system—it is to earn that trust through professionalism, transparency, and consistent adherence to the law. Regardless of political affiliation, every voter should have confidence that legal votes are counted accurately and that elections are administered fairly, securely, and honestly.

What is one improvement you would make to the clerk’s office?

The one change I would make to the Jefferson County Clerk’s Office is ensuring that our voter rolls are accurate, up to date, and maintained with the highest level of integrity. Public confidence in elections begins with knowing that only eligible voters are registered and that voter records are regularly reviewed to remove outdated information, such as deceased individuals, duplicate registrations, and voters who have moved away.

I believe every legal vote should count, and that means taking every reasonable step to ensure that only eligible citizens are participating in our elections. As County Clerk, I would work closely with state and local agencies to keep voter records current, improve verification processes, and ensure election laws are followed consistently and fairly.

Election integrity should not be a partisan issue. Accurate voter rolls protect every voter, every candidate, and every election. By maintaining clean voter registration records and promoting transparency in the process, we can strengthen public trust and ensure that Jefferson County elections remain secure, accurate, and worthy of the confidence of the people we serve.

Do you support hand counting all ballots? Why or why not?

I do not support replacing Jefferson County's current electronic tabulation system with large-scale hand counting. Our existing tabulators are not connected to the internet, are subject to testing and verification procedures, and have been used for decades.

In a county with more than 160,000 registered voters, hand counting would require substantial manpower, increase administrative costs, and lengthen the time needed to complete and verify election results. Large- scale manual counts also depend on thousands of individual judgments and repetitive tasks, which can introduce human error.

Election administration should prioritize accuracy, consistency, and reliable procedures. Any proposed changes should be evaluated based on their ability to maintain those standards while serving voters efficiently.

Why should voters choose you?

Why Choose Steve Wyatt Earp for Jefferson County Clerk?

Real Election Experience

For more than 25 years, I have worked behind the scenes helping elect candidates, solve problems, and navigate the challenges of public service. I understand how government works, how elections are administered, and what it takes to manage an office responsibly.

Steady Leadership, Not Experiments

Jefferson County's election system has served voters well for decades. As County Clerk, I will protect and strengthen a proven system that delivers secure, accurate, and timely results. Elections are too important to become testing grounds for political experiments.

Duty Over Ambition

I never set out to run for office. I am running because I believe Jefferson County needs experienced, responsible leadership committed to preserving public confidence in our elections. This campaign is not about the next political opportunity, it's about doing the job right and serving the people of Jefferson County.

Voters Guide Notice: This candidate profile is not a paid advertisement. Candidate responses are published as part of The Jefferson Review Candidate Voter Guide and are presented in the candidate’s own words.

The opinions and statements expressed above are solely those of the candidate or campaign and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Jefferson Review, its staff, sponsors, or partners. Publication of a candidate response does not constitute an endorsement.

Candidate responses were submitted through The Jefferson Review Candidate Voter Guide questionnaire. Responses are presented in the candidate’s own words and have not been rewritten by The Jefferson Review. Formatting may be adjusted for spacing, readability, or display.

Questionnaire Note: Candidates were invited to respond to the same questionnaire for this office. If a question was left blank, The Jefferson Review may mark that answer as “No response provided.”