How do I register to vote in Missouri?
While registering is easy for most people, it can vary by situation. Some of these are listed below:
Students
- Register and vote in the county where you have lived with your parents (if you consider that your permanent residence)
- Register and vote in the county where you are going to college if that is now your permanent address
- Register and vote by absentee ballot in the state where you previously lived if you consider that your permanent residence
- Become a resident of the State of Missouri and vote in the county where your school is located. However, you can choose to register and vote in one state only
Military and Overseas Voters
Survivors of Violence
Missouri participates in the Safe at Home Address Confidentiality Program to protect victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, rape, human trafficking, stalking, or other crimes. You can receive an alternate address and mail–in forwarding service if enrolled. Learn more about enrolling in the program here.
Homeless or Impermanent Voters
Convicted Felons
If you were convicted of a felony, your right to vote is temporarily suspended while incarcerated, on parole, or on probation. Once your term is complete, you are again eligible to vote. You will need to re-register.
You are not automatically registered to vote by completing a voter registration application. Election officials must still verify the information you provided on your application. They will contact you if they approve your voter registration application or if they need further information.
You can check your voter registration status on the Missouri Secretary of State website.
When is Missouri’s voter registration deadline?
If you register by mail, your voter registration envelope must be postmarked no later than the fourth Wednesday before the election. If you register in person, you must register by the deadline for that particular election. See the Secretary of State’s website for a calendar of election deadlines.
How do I request an absentee ballot in Missouri?
You must apply to vote by absentee ballot and provide a reason for wanting to do so. These are the allowable reasons for absentee voting:
- You are out of your jurisdiction and unable to get to your polling place
- You are unable to get to the polls due to caregiving
- You are unable to get to the polls due to incapacity, illness, or disability
- You are unable to get to the polls due to your religious beliefs or practices
- You are unable to get to the polls due to your employment as an election official
- You are unable to get to the polls because you are incarcerated but are still eligible to vote
- You are a participant in the address confidentiality program
To apply for an absentee ballot, you can request it in person or have someone pick it up for you at the office of your local election authority. You can also download the Request for Missouri Absentee Ballot Form. Complete the registration form and return it either in person, by fax, by mail, or by delivery to your local election authority.
If you sent an absentee ballot request and have registered by mail but have yet to vote in person, you must submit a copy of an acceptable ID unless you provided a copy with your voter registration application.
If you are a military member or live overseas, you can use the FVAP website to vote absentee.
What do I need to bring to the polls in Missouri?
Poll workers will ask you to present an acceptable ID if you are already a registered voter. The following are acceptable identification documents that meet the ID requirements:
- A valid Missouri driver’s license or non-driver license
- A valid military ID, including a veteran’s ID card
- A valid U.S. passport
- Another photo ID issued by the United States or the state of Missouri which is either not expired or expired after the date of the most recent general election
If you don’t have any form of identification with you, you can vote using a provisional ballot. Election officials will count your vote if your signature matches the one on the voter registry. You can also return to your polling place and show an acceptable ID.
What special accommodations are available?
Every Missouri polling place has at least one handicapped-accessible voting machine with an audio ballot option and an on-screen ballot with the ability to enlarge text. If you cannot read or write, are visually impaired, or have difficulty marking a ballot, you can bring someone to help you vote. You can also ask a poll worker for assistance.
If your physical disability makes it difficult to access the polling place, you can do curbside voting. A poll worker will bring a ballot to your car. You can also request to receive an absentee ballot to vote by mail.
What do I do if I see something illegal at the polls?
If you believe you saw a violation of Missouri election law, you should first advise a poll worker, unless the poll worker was the one in violation. Using the Election Complaint Form, you can also file a complaint with the Missouri Secretary of State Elections Division.
You can also report voting law violations to the U.S. Department of Justice. If you feel your someone violated your voting rights, you may contact a local Missouri attorney experienced in voting law.
You Don’t Have To Solve This on Your Own – Get a Lawyer’s Help
Meeting with a lawyer can help you understand your options and how to best protect your rights. Consider consulting with a civil rights law attorney if you believe your voting rights have been violated.
POLLING PLACE FINDER
