Election 2020: How to vote in Missouri in the 2020 election

Register to vote

If you’re unsure if you’re registered to vote, check your status first. The deadline to register was Oct. 7.

Request an absentee ballot

In Missouri, anyone can vote by mail, but you need to request a ballot. Voters that meet certain requirements, like being confined due to illness or out of the county on Election Day, can request an absentee ballot. You can find a full list of reasons here . All other voters should request a mail-in ballot. Mail-in ballots must be returned by mail, while absentee ballots can also be returned in person.

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The deadline was Oct. 21. The U.S. Postal Service recommends voters request a ballot as soon as possible but not later than Oct. 19.

Ballots are mailed starting Sept. 22.

Fill out your ballot

Mailed ballots need more than your vote. Most require at least one signature and can’t have any stray marks. They must be sent back in the envelope provided.

To complete your ballot you’ll need a notary, unless you are voting by mail due to a permanent disability, illness or being part of group considered high risk for the coronavirus.

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Here’s a more detailed guide on how to make sure your ballot is counted. Be sure to follow the instructions that accompanied your ballot and contact your local election officials with any questions.

Return your ballot

Mail-in ballots can only be returned by mail. Absentee ballots can also be returned in person by you or a third party, with some restrictions. Prepaid return postage for ballots is guaranteed in Missouri.

To be counted, your ballot must be received by Nov. 3. Check with local officials for specific times. The U.S. Postal Service recommends voters mail their ballot at least one week prior to the state deadline, by Oct. 27.

Don’t wait too long! The U.S. Postal Service sent a warning to the Missouri Secretary of State that deadlines did not allow enough time for mail delivery and could disenfranchise voters.

Your ballot is verified and counted

From identifying information and tracking bar codes on your ballot to signatures, a lot has gone into making sure your vote is accurate and will count by the time your ballot is returned.

Missouri does not require election officials to contact you before rejecting your ballot due to issues like a missing signature.

Since 2016, 11 states and D.C. have expanded voting rights for the currently and formerly incarcerated

Absentee ballots may start being processed Oct. 29 and formally counted on Election Day. Dates can vary based on jurisdiction size or the number of mail ballots sent.

Casting a ballot in person

In Missouri you can request, complete and submit an absentee ballot all at once at a designated location, such as your county clerk’s office early. You can vote in person at the polls on Election Day, Nov. 3. Be sure to check your voting location ahead of time.

Missouri requires you to show identification to cast a ballot in person. If you don’t have one, or forget to bring it, you may need to cast a provisional ballot, which will be counted once your eligibility is verified, or take other steps to confirm your identity. Ask a pollworker if you need to follow up.

Wearing a mask to vote in person is recommended.

If you received a ballot in the mail but decide you want to vote in person, you can — but you may be required to take an additional action, such as surrendering your ballot, signing an affidavit or casting a provisional ballot. Contact your local election officials for details.

You’re all set

You can visit Missouri’s election website for more details on voting. If you have any questions or issues or need to check the status of your provisional ballot contact your local elections officials.

What do you want to know about voting and the election?

Want to learn how to register to vote or vote by mail? You can with different choices.