Everything You Need to Know about Voting in Missouri
Missouri Voting 101
It is that time! The general election of 2020 is upon us. Between the pandemic and the volatile political climate, pundits are using words such as historic and unprecedented to describe the 2020 election. Cliché? Perhaps. But clichés become clichés because they tend to hold some truth. Here’s everything you need to know about Missouri voting requirements and procedures.
It is easy to think that just one person cannot make a difference, but your vote always matters. Elections are often won and lost on a thin margin. Down Ballot elections, or state and local races, can affect you as much or more than the presidential election.
So, what do you need to know to be ready to do your civic duty come November 3rd?
Missouri gives you THREE options to vote.
In-Person Voting
Show up to your voting location and show one of the following forms of identification:
- Identification issued by the state of Missouri, an agency of the state, or a local election authority of the state,
- Identification issued by the United States government or agency thereof,
- Identification issued by an institution of higher education, including a university, college, vocational and technical school, located within the state of Missouri, or
- A copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, government check or other government document that contains the name and address of the voter.
NEW THIS YEAR: Mail-In Voting
- You are eligible to vote by mail-in if you are a registered voter,
- Complete an application to request a mail-in ballot in person or by mail,
- Deliver to election authority by October 21 at 5 p.m. for the November 3 election,
- After receiving a ballot, fill it out and have the envelope notarized,
- Return your mail-in ballot through U.S. mail in time for its receipt by 7 p.m. on Election Day.
Absentee Voting:
You are eligible to vote without a notary if:
- Incapacity or confinement due to illness
Having contracted coronavirus or at-risk (in 2020) due to the following:
- Age 65 or older
- Living in a long-term care facility
- Chronic lung disease/asthma Serious heart condition
- Immunocompromised
- Diabetes
- Chronic kidney disease and undergoing dialysis
- Liver disease
You are eligible to vote with a notary due to:
- Religious beliefs or practice
- Working as an election worker
- Incarceration, if still eligible to vote
- Absence on Election Day from your election jurisdiction
- Certified participation in an address confidentiality program
Important voting considerations for the state of Missouri
Mail-In Ballots Must Be Received by Election Day, Not Mailed by Election Day! Unlike absentee ballots, mail-in voting requires return by mail long before Election Day and cannot be hand delivered! Mailing your ballot by Election Day will not allow your vote to be counted.
Your Vote Matters. Voting is the most powerful way to express your ideas and opinions. It is one of the most impactful things you can do for yourself and your community.
Mail-in Ballots Are Reliable. Voter fraud is extremely rare no matter what voting method is chosen but voting by mail has been around since Lincoln. Oregon, the first state to adopt voting by mail, has had only one case of fraud per year for two decades!
Request Your Mail-In Ballot NOW. If you want to vote by mail, October 21st is the deadline to request a mail-in ballot and return it to the election authority.
Absentee ballots can be requested by mail by October 21st or in person up until the day before the election.
Know Your Voting Rights! If there are problems verifying your identity on Election Day, and you believe you are a registered voter, ask to cast a provisional ballot. Your vote will count if you return to the polling place and show proper identification on Election Day or the signature on your provisional ballot is determined by the election authority to match your signature on your voter registration!
Check Your Voter Registration Ahead of Time! Any problems with your polling place, registration or required identification can likely be fixed ahead of Election Day if found before Election Day. Check your registration ahead of Election Day to ensure you can show up ready to vote!
Visit the Secretary of State website to request a free mail-in and absentee ballot and to read more information on your rights. For questions regarding your rights, contact Brown & Crouppen for assistance.