Last update: Sep 20, 2023 07:29 a.m. EDT
Last update: Sep 19, 2023 11:08 a.m. UTC
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Summary
Missouri offers absentee ballots by mail to voters who will be unable to vote in person. All other voters are expected to vote in person. Missouri offers early voting.
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Who can register to vote?
To register in Missouri you must:
- be a citizen of the United States
- be a resident of Missouri
- be at least 17-1/2 years of age (you must be 18 to vote)
- not be on probation or parole after conviction of a felony, until finally discharged from such probation or parole
- not be convicted of a felony or misdemeanor connected with the right of suffrage
- not be adjudged incapacitated by any court of law
- not be confined under a sentence of imprisonment
How do I vote in person?
Where can I vote on Election Day?
You can look up where to vote on Missouri's site.
Can I vote in-person absentee?
- Yes, Missouri does offer early voting, which in Missouri is called in-person absentee voting. During the two weeks before an election, any voter can vote an absentee ballot in person at a location designated by their local election office. You can choose whether to vote on Election Day or during the early voting period, whichever is easier for you. This can be especially helpful if it would be difficult or not possible for you to vote on Election Day. In-person absentee voting locations may be less crowded, as well.
What do I need to bring?
You will be asked to show photo ID to vote in Missouri.
Acceptable Forms include:
- nonexpired Missouri Driver’s license
- nonexpired or nonexpiring Missouri nondriver’s license
- nonexpired United States passport
- any photo identification issued by the Missouri National Guard, the US Armed Forces, including the Space Force, or the US Department of Veteran Affairs, and that is not expired or does not expire
If your driver or non-driver license expired after the most recent general election, it is an acceptable form of voter ID
Any document that meets all of the following requirements will also be accepted:
- contains your name, which must match the most recent signature in your voter registration record
- shows your photo
- includes an expiration date
- is unexpired or expired after the last general election date
- is issued by the United States or the State of Missouri
Voters without an ID:
Voters without ID may cast a provisional ballot after completing a provisional ballot affidavit, and must return to the polling place by 7 p.m. to provide an acceptable form of identification.
If you do not return to your polling place with an acceptable ID, election officials will compare the signatures on your provisional ballot envelope and in the voter registry. If the signatures match, your vote will be counted.
How can I check the status of my ballot?
Missouri doesn't offer ballot tracking.
Can I vote early?
Yes, Missouri does offer early voting, which in Missouri is called in-person absentee voting. During the two weeks before an election, any voter can vote an absentee ballot in person at a location designated by their local election office.
- You can choose whether to vote on Election Day or during the in-person absentee voting period, whichever is easier for you. This can be especially helpful if it would be difficult or not possible for you to vote on Election Day. Voting locations may be less crowded, as well.
What do I need to bring?
You will be asked to show photo ID to vote in Missouri.
Acceptable Forms include:
- nonexpired Missouri Driver’s license
- nonexpired or nonexpiring Missouri nondriver’s license
- nonexpired United States passport
- any photo identification issued by the Missouri National Guard, the US Armed Forces, including the Space Force, or the US Department of Veteran Affairs, and that is not expired or does not expire
If your driver or non-driver license expired after the most recent general election, it is an acceptable form of voter ID
Any document that meets all of the following requirements will also be accepted:
- contains your name, which must match the most recent signature in your voter registration record
- shows your photo
- includes an expiration date
- is unexpired or expired after the last general election date
- is issued by the United States or the State of Missouri
Voters without an ID:
Voters without ID may cast a provisional ballot after completing a provisional ballot affidavit, and must return to the polling place by 7 p.m. to provide an acceptable form of identification.
If you do not return to your polling place with an acceptable ID, election officials will compare the signatures on your provisional ballot envelope and in the voter registry. If the signatures match, your vote will be counted.
How do I vote by mail?
Missouri allows eligible voters to request a mail ballot. All other voters are expected to vote in person. Check to see if you’re eligible to vote by mail on Missouri's site.
How do I get my ballot?
Request your mail-in ballot with a mail ballot application.
What should I do if I don’t get my ballot?
If you don’t receive your ballot in the mail, then contact your local election office.
How do I return my ballot?
- Read the instructions carefully on how to mark and return your ballot.
- You can return your ballot by mail. Find a United States Postal Service (USPS) location near you.
- USPS recommends that voters mail their completed ballots at least one week before the due date.
What do I need to do if I’ve moved?
What’s on your ballot depends on where you live, so your voter registration is tied to your exact address. If you’ve moved, you need to re-register with your new address.
How can I check the status of my ballot?
Missouri doesn't offer ballot tracking.
Can I register to vote on Election Day?
Missouri does not offer registration on Election Day.
How do I see what's on my ballot?
View your sample ballot on the Missouri Secretary of State's website. Available ballot information may vary depending on the upcoming election.
How do I get help registering to vote?
TurboVote can help you start the absentee/mail-in ballot request process, send you election reminders, and more. If you’d like more help planning how to vote, we can walk you through the process!
How do I vote if I'm in the military or live overseas?
Active-duty military, their families, and overseas citizens can register to vote and request their absentee ballot using the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA). The FPCA process is done by mail, but your state may offer other options to request and return ballots. Please contact your local election office for more information about delivery and return methods, including email, fax, and state online portals. To follow the FPCA process:
- Fill out the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA), or download a copy. Your local election office may have questions, so please provide an email address or phone number where they can reach you.
- Send the application to your local election office.
- It is never too early to submit an FPCA! Please do so as soon as possible.
- Please fill out and send back your ballot as soon as you receive it.
- States begin mailing absentee ballots at least 45 days before Election Day. If you haven't received your ballot by 30 days before Election Day, contact your local election office.
If after submitting your FPCA, your ballot does not arrive, contact your local election office first. Then:
- You can still vote using the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB). Print, sign, and mail your FWAB to your local election office.
- If you mail a FWAB and then receive your regular absentee ballot, you should complete and mail your absentee ballot also. Election officials will ensure that only one ballot is counted.
The Federal Voting Assistance Program offers additional information on military and overseas voting in Missouri. You can also call 1-800-438-VOTE (8683) or email vote@fvap.gov
How can I check my voter registration status?
You can look up your voter registration record and verify that your information is correct using Missouri's voter registration lookup tool.
How do I contact my state election office?
Which election office should I contact?
- In Missouri, your local election office runs the elections in your area. They can help you with questions about registering to vote, voting by mail, and local elections.
- The Secretary of State oversees elections and election administration in Missouri. They can help you with questions about voting in your state, election security, or issues you might have at the polls. If you have concerns about voter intimidation, reach out immediately.
How do I contact my local election office?
Visit your state’s site to find your local election office.