Voting is a fundamental right, and our country’s most sacred institution. It allows each of us a say in helping to shape the policies and future of our communities, cities and country. We all have the power to make a difference, and by showing up to cast your ballot you are helping to make decisions that could affect our families’ lives for years to come.
This guide will help you vote in Missouri — find your polling place, see a sample ballot and research the candidates.
Kansas resident? Check out our guide for How to Vote in Kansas.
Preparing to Vote in Missouri
Check Your Registration
Check your registration with the Missouri Secretary of State. It is imperative to input the same information used when first registered. This site will also inform you of your polling place for day-of election voting.
View Your Sample Ballot and Research Candidates
Find a sample ballot, and research the candidates based on your specific voting district, including judges!
Vote 411 is a nonpartisan website run by the League of Women Voters. Type in your address to see everything that will appear on your precinct’s specific ballot.
Key Dates for November 2024 Election
Absentee Ballot Deadlines
- In-person absentee ballots must be received by 5 p.m. on the day before Election Day.
- Those submitted by mail must be received by 5 p..m on the second Wednesday prior to Election Day.
Voting Deadlines
Early voting (in-person, no excuse, absentee voting) takes place October 22 – November 4. During the two weeks prior to the election, you may vote a no-excuse absentee ballot in person at a location designated by your local election authority.
- Jackson County absentee voting information can be found here.
- Cass County absentee voting information can be found here.
- Johnson County absentee voting information can be found here.
- Platte County absentee voting information can be found here.
In-person takes place November 5.
Be Prepared, Have the Correct ID
Again, the Missouri Secretary of State is a great resource. The site explains acceptable forms of identification which must be provided at time of voting. Types of identification include:
- A non-expired Missouri driver or non-driver license
- A non-expired military ID, including a veteran’s ID card
- A non-expired United States passport
- Another photo ID issued by the United States or the state of Missouri which is either not expired or expired after the date of the most recent general election.
*If the driver or non-driver license has expired after the most recent general election, it is an acceptable form of voter ID.
*If you do not possess any of these forms of identification, but are a registered voter, you may cast a provisional ballot.
Your Rights as a Voter
- POLLING PLACES ARE OPEN FROM 6 a.m. TO 7 p.m. ON ELECTION DAY. Important to note: If you are in line at the closing time of 7 p.m. you have the right to cast your vote!
- Employers must grant employees up to three hours paid leave to vote.
- If you do not have a photo ID, but are a registered voter, you may cast a provisional ballot.
- If your name does not appear on the poll book and you are eligible to vote at that precinct, you may be entitled to vote a provisional ballot. Every effort will be made to determine your eligibility and your correct polling place so that you can cast a regular ballot.
- If you have limited mobility you may be able to vote “curbside” or outside the polling place.
- Every polling place must have an accessible voting system for individuals with disabilities including audiovisual accessibility.
- Completely darken the oval next to the candidate or measure on a paper ballot or it may be thrown out.
- If you make a mistake on your ballot, ask for a new one.
- If the machines are down at your polling place, ask for a paper ballot.
- If you run into any problems or have questions on Election Day, call the Election Protection Hotline:1-866-OUR-VOTE / 1-866-687-8683.
Other Helpful Information
Where to Get Yard Signs
Visit your political party’s local office or request a sign on the website of the candidate.
Where to Find Election Results
Local news channels often have results scrolling on the bottom of the screen.
The Secretary of State’s site will post election night results as they become available.
Kansas City, Missouri’s election board posts city specific results, as well as county winners.
