En español | Missouri offers several ways to register to vote, including online, by mail and in person. Voters must meet certain criteria to get an absentee ballot, and most will need a notary.
The state’s Nov. 8 general election decided races for seats in the U.S. House and Senate and the state legislature, among others.
Essential info:
- Upcoming elections: Information about upcoming elections is not yet available, but will be published on the Missouri elections website.
- Absentee voting: You will need to meet certain criteria to cast an absentee ballot and most ballots will require a notary. No-excuse absentee voting is permitted two weeks before Election Day.
- Voting at the polls: Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Find your polling place on the state elections website.
Have there been recent changes to voting in Missouri?
A 2022 election law requires voters to present a valid photo ID when casting a regular ballot in person, allows no-excuse absentee voting two weeks before an election and bans the use of drop boxes. Also, the state's redistricting plan has redrawn certain congressional and state legislative districts, and may affect which candidates appear on your ballot.
How do I register to vote?
- In person: Register in person or drop off a completed registration form at your local election authority. Or register at a local library, a driver’s licensing center or at other state agencies listed on the secretary of state’s website. If you register in person, you’ll need to present a valid form of ID, such as a driver’s license or U.S. passport.
- Online: Use the state’s voter registration portal. You’ll be asked for your driver’s license number (if you have a license) and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
- By mail: Download and print a voter registration form from the secretary of state’s website, then complete it and mail it to your county election authority. You can also fill out an online form to have an application mailed to you, or contact your election authority to ask that they mail you a ballot.
Check your voter registration status through the state’s voter information portal.
How can I get an absentee ballot? Are there important deadlines?
Note that the deadline to apply for an absentee ballot by mail has passed. However, no-excuse absentee voting is available during the two week period before the Nov. 8 general election. Visit your election authority to request and submit an absentee ballot without an excuse. Be sure to bring a valid ID.
Absentee ballots are only available to certain voters, including people with an illness or disability or who will be out of town on Election Day. A full list of criteria is on the secretary of state’s website. You’ll need to get your ballot notarized unless you’re a nursing home resident or confined to your home because of an illness.
- By mail: Print an absentee ballot application form and mail it to your local election authority. Or contact your election authority and ask that they mail you an application. You can also email or fax completed forms to your elections authority.
- In person: Fill out a ballot request or drop off your completed form at your local election authority.
Are there any accommodations for people with disabilities?
Yes. If you have a physical disability, you can ask to be placed on the state’s permanent absentee voting list. Absentee ballot applications should then be automatically mailed to you before every election. Contact your local election authority for more information.
Polling places in Missouri offer curbside voting to people with limited mobility, so you can stay in your car while a poll worker brings you a ballot. Polling locations also have equipment to help people who are visually impaired.
Can I vote I track my absentee ballot?
Check with your local election authority or call the secretary of state’s office toll free at 800-669-8683 to confirm the receipt of your ballot.
Can I vote in person before Election Day?
Only if you qualify for an absentee ballot or you obtain one during the two week no-excuse absentee voting period for the general election. You can fill one out at your local election authority starting Sept. 27 for the general election up until 5 p.m. the day before the election. Your ballot won’t need to be notarized if you fill it out at your election authority.
What do I need to know about voting on Election Day?
Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., but you can vote after 7 p.m. as long as you’re in line before polls close. Contact your local election authority to find your polling place.
Do I need identification to vote?
Yes, you’ll need to show a Missouri driver’s license, state ID card, U.S. passport or other acceptable ID listed on the secretary of state’s website. If you forget your ID, you can still cast a provisional ballot, which will be counted as a regular ballot as long as your signature matches the signature in the state’s voter registry or if you return to your polling place with proper ID.
Editor’s note: This guide was updated on Nov. 29, 2022. The guide was first published on Aug. 10, 2020.
Also of Interest:
- Follow AARP's political coverage at aarp.org/elections
- Keep up with local events and AARP advocacy efforts at aarp.org/missouri