Due to COVID-19, Missouri is allowing every voter to request a mail-in ballot for November 2020 with no excuse needed (note that this is different from an absentee ballot, which would require an excuse). Combined with the fact that Missouri has no early voting options, a mail-in ballot is likely the best voting choice available for many Missourians.
To avoid possible postal delays impacting your vote, we recommend mailing your completed ballot back by Tuesday, October 13th. Plan to drop it off by hand after that.
If you are concerned about your absentee ballot returning on time through the mail, visit our other page to learn how to drop your ballot off in person.
Registering In Person: October 7, 2020
Registering By Mail: Postmarked October 7, 2020
Registering Online: October 7, 2020
Request In Person: Received November 2, 2020
Request By Mail: Received October 21, 2020
Request Online: N/A (the form must be printed and mailed to your local election authority)
Ballots must be returned to your county's election authority by 7pm on Election Day, whether by mail or in-person.
We strongly recommend mailing your ballot much earlier (by October 13th) and, if that's not possible, dropping it off in person. Learn how below or on our other page.
You will need to submit a copy of your voter ID with your absentee ballot request form if you registered to vote by mail, this is your first time voting, and you did not include a copy of ID with your registration application.
No. Please note that Missouri is distinguishing between absentee and mail-in ballots. While you would need an excuse to vote absentee, for November 2020, anyone can request a mail-in ballot. See the request form linked above for specific instructions.
If you mail, fax or email your ballot, you can confirm that your ballot was received by your local election authority by contacting the office at elections@sos.mo.gov or (866) 868-3245.
Yes.
Note: Notaries may charge a fee for their service. You should call ahead to get a cost estimate.
Ballots can be returned to your county's election authority by 7pm on Election Day.
Probably not. Relatives within the second degree (spouse, parents and children) may complete a mail-in ballot application for someone else if they appear in person, but Missouri's website has no such language for actually returning the ballot itself.
Out of an abundance of caution, plan to drop it off yourself.
No.
6am - 7pm
If you are in line when polls close, you are legally entitled to vote. Don't leave!
ID Requested; Photo Not Required
If ID is not presented, the voter may cast a regular ballot if 2 election officials attest they know him/her.
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.