Government, Politics & Issues

Photos: Voters take to the polls in the 2022 Midterm Elections

St. Louis Public Radio | By Brian Munoz

Published November 8, 2022 at 5:27 PM CST

U.S. Sen. Eric Schmitt celebrates with supporters after defeating beer heiress Trudy Busch Valentine and winning the seat on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022, at a Midterm watch party at the Westport Sheraton Chalet in Maryland Heights. — Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt celebrates with supporters after defeating beer heiress and nurse Trudy Busch Valentine for the state's open U.S. Senate seat on Tuesday at a Midterm watch party at the Westport Sheraton Chalet in Maryland Heights.

Thousands of Missouri voters took to the polls in the 2022 Midterms, electing a slate of candidates including Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt as the state's next U.S. Senator, passing recreational adult cannabis use legalization, and naming 15th Ward Alderwoman Megan Green as the city's first woman to serve as the St. Louis Board of Alderman President.

See photos from the 2022 Midterms by the St. Louis Public Radio team below:

Voters take to the polls on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022, during the Midterm election at the Ballwin Golf Course and Events Center in Ballwin. — Voters take to the polls on Tuesday during the Midterm election at the Ballwin Golf Course and Events Center in Ballwin.

Lashonda Matthews, 42, of Old North, casts her ballot in the Midterm elections on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022, at Greater Leonard Missionary Baptist Church in north St. Louis. — Lashonda Matthews, 42, of Old North, casts her ballot in the Midterm elections on Tuesday at Greater Leonard Missionary Baptist Church in north St. Louis.

A voter sits in a chair to cast her ballot — Voters take to the polls for the Midterm elections on Tuesday at Greater Leonard Missionary Baptist Church in Old North.

Voters take to the polls in the early hours of the morning on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022, during the 2022 Midterm Elections at Ladue City Hall in Ladue. — Voters take to the polls in the early hours of the morning on Tuesday during the 2022 Midterm Elections at Ladue City Hall in Ladue.

Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt celebrates winning the state’s open U.S. Senate seat on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022, at a Midterm watch party at the Westport Sheraton Chalet in Maryland Heights. — Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt celebrates winning the state’s open U.S. Senate seat against beer heiress and nurse Trudy Busch Valentine on Tuesday during a Midterm watch party at the Westport Sheraton Chalet in Maryland Heights.

Attorney General Eric Schmitt supporters celebrate him winning the state’s open U.S. Senate seat on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022, at a Midterm watch party at the Westport Sheraton Chalet in Maryland Heights. — Attorney General Eric Schmitt supporters celebrate him winning the state’s open U.S. Senate seat on Tuesday during a Midterm watch party in Maryland Heights.

From left: Matthew Short, 58, of St. Charles, Judy Boyer, of Webster Groves, and Sarah Brook, 35, of St. Peters, raise their glasses as the race is called in favor of Attorney General Eric Schmitt in Missouri’s U.S. Senate race on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022, at a Midterm watch party at the Westport Sheraton Chalet in Maryland Heights. — From left: Matthew Short, 58, of St. Charles, Judy Boyer, of Webster Groves, and Sarah Brook, 35, of St. Peters, raise their glasses as the race is called in favor of Attorney General Eric Schmitt in Missouri’s U.S. Senate race on Tuesday during a Midterm watch party at the Westport Sheraton Chalet in Maryland Heights.

U.S. Sen. Eric Schmitt throws back a bottle of Budweiser while celebrating defeating beer heiress Trudy Busch Valentine and winning the seat on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022, at a Midterm watch party at the Westport Sheraton Chalet in Maryland Heights. — U.S. Sen. Eric Schmitt throws back a bottle of Budweiser while celebrating defeating beer heiress and nurse Trudy Busch Valentine and winning the seat on Tuesday during a Midterm watch party in Maryland Heights.

Trudy Busch Valentine, Democratic U.S. Senate-hopeful, adjusts her hair while going to cast her Midterm ballot alongside (from left to right) her daughter Christina Cammon, 33, son John Valentine Jr., 30, and staffer Cort VanOstran, 34, on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022, at City Hall in Ladue. — Trudy Busch Valentine, Democratic U.S. Senate-hopeful, adjusts her hair while going to cast her Midterm ballot alongside (from left to right) her daughter Christina Cammon, 33, son John Valentine Jr., 30, and staffer Cort VanOstran, 34, on Tuesday at City Hall in Ladue.

Trudy Busch Valentine, Democratic U.S. Senate-hopeful, thanks voters ahead of the midterms on Monday, Nov. 7, 2022, in front of the St. Louis Board of Elections in downtown St. Louis. — Trudy Busch Valentine, Democratic U.S. Senate-hopeful, thanks voters ahead of the midterms on Monday in front of the St. Louis Board of Elections in downtown St. Louis.

Trudy Busch Valentine, Democratic U.S. Senate-hopeful, goes to cast her Midterm ballot on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022, at City Hall in Ladue. — Trudy Busch Valentine, Democratic U.S. Senate-hopeful, goes to cast her Midterm ballot on Tuesday at City Hall in Ladue.

Trudy Busch Valentine, Democratic U.S. Senate-hopeful, holds hands with a supporter on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022, after casting her vote at City Hall in Ladue. The supporter, who declined to be identified, said she works in reproductive health and cited abortion rights to be one of the top issues in this Midterm. — Trudy Busch Valentine, Democratic U.S. Senate-hopeful, holds hands with a supporter on Tuesday after casting her vote at City Hall in Ladue. The supporter, who declined to be identified, said she works in reproductive health and cited abortion rights to be one of the top issues in this Midterm.

Trudy Busch-Valentine gives a concession speech alongside her family after the Associated Press called the U.S. Senate race in Missouri to opponent Republican Eric Schmitt on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022, at the Sheet Metal Workers SMART Local Union No. 36. “I thank you and love you to my children for believing in their mom, and cheering me on every day,” she said. “I am proud to be your mom.” — Trudy Busch-Valentine gives a concession speech alongside her family after the Associated Press called the U.S. Senate race in Missouri to opponent Republican Eric Schmitt on Tuesday at the Sheet Metal Workers SMART Local Union No. 36. “I thank you and love you to my children for believing in their mom, and cheering me on every day,” she said. “I am proud to be your mom.”

Sam Page, Democratic St. Louis County Executive, gives remarks after defeating Republican Mark Mantovani and winning reelection for the seat on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022, at the Machinist’s District 9 Hall in Bridgeton. — Sam Page, Democratic St. Louis County Executive, gives remarks after defeating Republican Mark Mantovani and winning reelection for the seat on Tuesday at the Machinist’s District 9 Hall in Bridgeton.

Sam Page, Democratic St. Louis County Executive, speaks with (from left) Councilwoman Nicole Greer (2nd Ward), Creve Couer Mayor Bob Hoffman, and retired firefighter Calvin Stewart on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022, during a Midterm watch party at the Machinist’s District 9 Hall in Bridgeton. — Sam Page, Democratic St. Louis County Executive, speaks with (from left) County Councilwoman Nicole Greer (2nd Ward), Creve Coeur Mayor Bob Hoffman, and retired firefighter Calvin Stewart on Tuesday during a Midterm watch party at the Machinist’s District 9 Hall in Bridgeton.

Sam Page, Democratic St. Louis County Executive, holds hands with his wife Jenny Page as he walks up to give his acceptance speech after defeating Republican Mark Mantovani in the St. Louis County Executive's race on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022, at the Machinist’s District 9 Hall in Bridgeton. — Sam Page, Democratic St. Louis County Executive, holds hands with his wife Jenny Page as he walks up to give his acceptance speech after defeating Republican Mark Mantovani in the St. Louis County Executive's race on Tuesday at the Machinist’s District 9 Hall in Bridgeton.

Sam Page, Democratic St. Louis County Executive, gives his acceptance speech after defeating Republican Mark Mantovani in the St. Louis County Executive's race on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022, at the Machinist’s District 9 Hall in Bridgeton. — Sam Page, Democratic St. Louis County Executive, gives his acceptance speech after defeating Republican Mark Mantovani in the St. Louis County Executive's race on Tuesday at the Machinist’s District 9 Hall in Bridgeton.

From left: Tanisha Patterson, Ryan Quinones and Chris LeGrand celebrate the passage of Amendment 3 on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022, during a watch party at the Crown Room in downtown St. Louis. Amendment 3 legalizes recreational marijuana in the state of Missouri for individuals over the age of 21 and expunges non-violent marijuana related conviction records excluding sales to minors and driving under the influence. — From left: Tanisha Patterson, Ryan Quinones and Chris LeGrand celebrate the passage of Amendment 3 on Tuesday during a watch party at the Crown Room in downtown St. Louis. Amendment 3 legalizes recreational marijuana in the state of Missouri for individuals over the age of 21 and expunges non-violent marijuana related conviction records excluding sales to minors and driving under the influence.

Antar Shafer celebrates the passage of Amendment 3 on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022, during a watch party at the Crown Room in downtown St. Louis. — Antar Shafer celebrates the passage of Amendment 3 on Tuesday during a watch party at the Crown Room in downtown St. Louis.

Jerimiah Tice (right) smokes medical marijuana while waiting for election results on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022, at an Amendment 3 watch party at the Crown Room in downtown St. Louis. — Jerimiah Tice (right) smokes medical marijuana while waiting for election results on Tuesday at an Amendment 3 watch party at the Crown Room in downtown St. Louis.

Supporters celebrate the passage of Amendment 3 on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022, during a watch party at the Crown Room in downtown St. Louis. Amendment 3 legalizes recreational marijuana in the state of Missouri for individuals over the age of 21 and expunges non-violent marijuana related conviction records excluding sales to minors and driving under the influence. — Supporters celebrate the passage of Amendment 3 on Tuesday during a watch party at the Crown Room in downtown St. Louis.

Guests mingle during an Amendment 3 watch party on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022, at the Crown Room in downtown St. Louis. Amendment 3 legalizes recreational marijuana in the state of Missouri for individuals over the age of 21 and expunges non-violent marijuana related conviction records excluding sales to minors and driving under the influence. — Guests mingle during an Amendment 3 watch party on Tuesday at the Crown Room in downtown St. Louis.

Lindsay Lockhart, of Kirkwood, (left) takes a selfie with former St. Louis Blues player Kelly Chase while supporters celebrate the passage of Amendment 3 on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022, during a watch party at the Crown Room in downtown St. Louis. — Lindsay Lockhart, of Kirkwood, (left) takes a selfie with former St. Louis Blues player Kelly Chase while supporters celebrate the passage of Amendment 3, legalizing adult recreational marijuana use, on Tuesday during a watch party at the Crown Room in downtown St. Louis.

U.S. Rep. Ann Wagner (MO-02) reacts after casting her Midterm ballot alongside her husband Roy, right, on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022, at the Ballwin Golf Course and Events Center in Ballwin. — U.S. Rep. Ann Wagner (MO-02) reacts after casting her Midterm ballot alongside her husband Roy, right, Tuesday at the Ballwin Golf Course and Events Center in Ballwin.

Republican U.S. Rep. Ann Wagner (MO-02) kisses her 8-week-old grandson Luke as he’s held by daughter Julia Wagner, 33, on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022, at the Ballwin Golf Course and Events Center in Ballwin. Wagner cast her ballot on Tuesday morning at the event center. — Republican U.S. Rep. Ann Wagner (MO-02) kisses her 8-week-old grandson Luke after casting her Midterm ballot on Tuesday at the Ballwin Golf Course and Events Center in Ballwin. Luke is being held by his mother and the congresswoman's daughter Julia Wagner, 33.

Volunteer Sue Becker, 76, of Ballwin, reacts while embracing Republican U.S. Rep. Ann Wagner (MO-02), on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022, outside of the Ballwin Golf Course and Events Center in Ballwin, Mo. — Volunteer Sue Becker, 76, of Ballwin, reacts while embracing Republican U.S. Rep. Ann Wagner (MO-02), on Tuesday outside of the Ballwin Golf Course and Events Center.

From left: State Rep. Rasheen Aldridge Jr., Mayor Tishaura Jones, and political director Alisha Sonnier watch as Board of Alderman President-elect Megan Green speaks to supporters on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022, at the HandleBar in The Grove. Green defeated Alderman Jack Coatar for the seat in the 2022 Midterm. — From left: State Rep. Rasheen Aldridge Jr., Mayor Tishaura Jones, and political director Alisha Sonnier watch as Board of Alderman President-elect Megan Green speaks to supporters on Tuesday the HandleBar in The Grove. Green defeated Alderman Jack Coatar for the seat in the 2022 Midterm, making history as the first woman to hold the seat in St. Louis.

Mayor Tishaura Jones, right, congratulates Board of Aldermen President-Elect Megan Green on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022, at HandleBar in The Grove. Green defeated Alderman Jack Coatar for the seat left vacant after Lewis Reed resigned when he was charged with federal corruption charges earlier this year. — Mayor Tishaura Jones, right, congratulates Board of Aldermen President-Elect Megan Green on Tuesday at HandleBar in The Grove. Green defeated Alderman Jack Coatar for the seat left vacant after Lewis Reed resigned when he was charged with federal corruption charges earlier this year.

Megan Green, Board of Alderman presidential candidate, speaks to supporters on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022, during a Get Out To Vote rally in the Central West End. — Megan Green, Board of Alderman presidential candidate, speaks to supporters last Saturday during a "Get Out The Vote" rally at Green's campaign headquarters in the Central West End.

U.S. Rep. Cori Bush (MO-01) reacts while being welcomed by supporters on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022, during a Get Out To Vote rally in the Central West End. — U.S. Rep. Cori Bush (MO-01) reacts while being welcomed by supporters last Saturday during a "Get Out The Vote" rally in the Central West End.

U.S. Rep. Cori Bush (MO-01) sheds a tear while tatlking about challenges put in place by politicians when trying to help unhoused St. Louisans on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022, during a Get Out To Vote rally in the Central West End. — U.S. Rep. Cori Bush (MO-01) sheds a tear while talking about roadblocks put in place by politicians when trying to help unhoused St. Louisans last Saturday during a "Get Out The Vote" rally in the Central West End.

Shunda Whitfield, 53, of Rolling Acres, center, prays alongside supporters of Board of Aldermen presidential candidate Megan Green, on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022, during a Get Out To Vote rally in the Central West End. — Shunda Whitfield, 53, of Rolling Acres, center, prays alongside supporters of Board of Aldermen presidential candidate Megan Green, last Saturday during a "Get Out The Vote" rally in the Central West End.

Political maps of the City of St. Louis are displayed on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022, at Board of Aldermen presidential-hopeful Megan Green’s campaign headquarters in the Central West End. — Political maps of the City of St. Louis are displayed last Saturday at Board of Aldermen presidential-hopeful Megan Green’s campaign headquarters in the Central West End.

Jack Coatar, Board of Aldermen presidential candidate, reacts while talking to volunteers on Sunday, Nov. 6, 2022, at his campaign headquarters in downtown St. Louis. — Jack Coatar, Board of Aldermen presidential candidate, reacts while talking to volunteers on Sunday at his campaign headquarters in downtown St. Louis.

Jack Coatar, Board of Aldermen presidential candidate, canvasses alongside Alderman Joe Vollmer and former Mayor Francis Slay on Sunday, Nov. 6, 2022, on The Hill. — Jack Coatar, Board of Aldermen presidential candidate, canvasses alongside Alderman Joe Vollmer and former Mayor Francis Slay last Sunday on The Hill.

Jack Coatar, Board of Aldermen presidential candidate, talks to a prospective voters on Sunday, Nov. 6, 2022, in St. Louis’ The Hill neighborhood. — Jack Coatar, Board of Aldermen presidential candidate, talks to a prospective voters last Sunday on The Hill.

Jack Coatar, Board of Aldermen presidential candidate, talks to a prospective voter on Sunday, Nov. 6, 2022, on The Hill. — Jack Coatar, Board of Aldermen presidential candidate, talks to a prospective voter last Sunday on The Hill.

Eric Schmitt, Rachel Lippman and Britny Cordera contributed to this report.

Brian Munoz is a staff photojournalist and multimedia reporter at St. Louis Public Radio. You can reach him by email at bmunoz@stlpr.org and follow his work on Instagram and Twitter at @brianmmunoz.

Theo R. Welling is a freelance photojournalist based in St. Louis. You can follow him on Instagram and Twitter at @TheoRWelling.

Jon Gitchoff is a freelance photojournalist based in St. Louis. You can follow him on Instagram at @jongitchoff.