Important Dates and Election Information
- Last day to register to vote: Wednesday, Oct. 9
- Last day for absentee ballot applications to be received by mail: Wednesday, Oct. 23, by 5 p.m.
- Deadline to request an absentee ballot in person: Monday, Nov. 4, by 5 p.m.
- Deadline to return an absentee ballot: Tuesday, Nov. 5, by 7 p.m.
- General election: Tuesday, Nov. 5
Voting at a Glance
- Voter registration: Check your voter registration status through the state’s voter information portal.
- Absentee voting: All voters can cast an absentee ballot two weeks before Election Day during early voting. Outside of this period, only voters who meet certain criteria can vote absentee.
- Early voting: Cast an absentee ballot in person from Tuesday, Oct. 22, through Monday, Nov. 4.
- Voting at the polls: Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Recent Voting Changes in Missouri
Several changes have been made to voting in Missouri:
- Voters must present a valid photo ID when casting a regular ballot in person.
- No-excuse absentee voting is available during the two weeks before Election Day.
- The use of drop boxes for ballots is banned.
How to Register to Vote
You can register online, by mail, or in person. The deadline to register to vote is Wednesday, Oct. 9 (postmarked).
- Online: Use the state’s voter registration portal. You will need to provide your Missouri driver’s license number, if you have one, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
- By mail: Print a voter registration form from the secretary of state’s website, complete it, and mail it to your local election authority. Alternatively, you can contact your election authority to request a form.
- In person: Register in person or drop off a completed registration form at your local election authority, a library, a driver’s license office, or other state agencies. You will need to present a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a current Missouri driver’s license or U.S. passport.
Registering to Vote on Election Day
You cannot register to vote on Election Day in Missouri.
Check Your Voter Registration Status
You can check your voter registration status through the state’s voter information portal.
How to Request an Absentee Ballot
All voters may vote by absentee ballot without a reason during the early voting period two weeks before an election. Outside of this period, absentee ballots are only available to certain voters, including those with an illness, disability, or those who will be out of town on Election Day.
- By mail: Print an absentee ballot application form and mail it to your local election authority. The application must be received by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 23. Alternatively, you can email or fax the completed form to your election authority.
- In person: Drop off your completed application at your local election authority by 5 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 4.
- Online: Email or fax your completed absentee ballot application to your local election authority.
Returning an Absentee Ballot
- By mail: Complete your absentee ballot and place it in the provided envelope. If you are voting absentee due to illness or disability or are on active military duty, you do not need to have the envelope notarized. Mail your completed ballot to your election authority, ensuring it arrives by the close of polls on Election Day.
- In person: Return your completed absentee ballot in person to your election authority any time before the polls close on Election Day. Your ballot does not need to be notarized if you submit it in person at the election authority.
Voting in Person Before Election Day
Missouri does not offer early in-person voting, but you can cast an absentee ballot in person from Tuesday, Oct. 22, until 5 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 4. This is the only time you can vote absentee without needing a specific reason. If you vote in person at your election authority, your absentee ballot does not need to be notarized. Contact your local election authority for more information on locations.
Voting at the Polls on Election Day
Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 5. If you are in line before the polls close, you will still be able to vote. To find your polling place, visit the state elections website. Sample ballots will be available on the secretary of state’s website.
Voter ID Requirements on Election Day
Voters will need to present a valid Missouri driver’s license, state ID card, U.S. passport, or another acceptable form of ID. If you forget your ID, you can cast a provisional ballot, which will be counted as long as your signature matches the signature on file in the state’s voter registry or if you return to the polling place with proper ID.
Voting with a Disability
Missouri offers curbside voting for people with limited mobility. A person may request that a ballot be brought outside to their vehicle at the polling place. Every polling location is equipped with an accessible voting system, and assistance is available for voters who are visually impaired or have physical disabilities.
If your polling place is not accessible due to a disability, contact your local election authority to request a change in polling location.
Voters with permanent physical disabilities can ask to be placed on the state’s permanent absentee voting list, which allows absentee ballot applications to be mailed to them before every election. For more information, contact your local election authority.
Voting from a Nursing Home or Long-Term Care Facility
Residents of nursing homes or long-term care facilities may vote using absentee ballots. They may also qualify for the state’s permanent absentee voting list for easier access to future elections. Contact your county election authority for more details.
