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The 2020 general election is Nov. 3. Read on for a list of answers to commonly asked questions about how to vote in Missouri.
How do I register to vote?
You can submit an online voter registration application online to the Missouri Secretary of State's Office website. You can also print and mail the applications or request the Secretary of State's Office mail the applications.
Missouri residents can find voter registration options and forms at sos.mo.gov/elections/goVoteMissouri/register.aspx
If you want to register in person, you can do so at your county clerk's office, which can be found at sos.mo.gov/elections/goVoteMissouri/pickupmail.
Voter registration applications are also available at a Department of Motor Vehicles office or state agency that provides services to the public, according to the secretary of state's website.
When is the last day I can register to vote?
Oct. 7.
I think I'm registered, but I'm not sure. How can I find out?
You can check your voter registration at s1.sos.mo.gov/elections/voterlookup/ or on your county clerk's website. The Cole County Clerk's Office website is colecounty.org/217/County-Clerk.
When are polls open on Election Day?
Polls are open from 6 a.m.-7 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 3. If you are in line at 7 p.m., you have the right to vote.
Where is my polling place?
You can look up your voting location by typing in your address at voteroutreach.sos.mo.gov/PRD/VoterOutreach/VOSearch.aspx.
You can also contact your local election authority. You can look up your local election authority's address, phone number and website by visiting sos.mo.gov/elections/goVoteMissouri/localelectionauthority.
What should I bring to the polls?
Voters must show a form of acceptable identification and sign the poll book to obtain a ballot. According to the secretary of state's website, acceptable forms of voter ID are:
Identification issued by Missouri, a Missouri agency or a local election authority of Missouri.
Identification issued by the United States government or a U.S. agency.
Identification issued by an institution of higher education located in Missouri, including a university, college, vocational or technical school.
A copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, government check or other government document that has your name and address.
Samples of acceptable IDs to vote can be found at sos.mo.gov/CMSImages/ElectionGoVoteMissouri/AcceptableIDstoVote-01.17.2020.pdf
I'm registered, but I don't have one of the acceptable IDs to vote. What should I do?
You can cast a provisional ballot, but there are two ways for your vote to count. Your vote will count if you return to your polling place on Election Day and show a photo ID or if your signature on the provisional ballot matches the signature in the voter registry.
I have a disability that impacts my ability to vote. What should I do?
The secretary of state's website lists accessible voting options, including curbside voting, accessible polling places, accessible voting systems and permanent absentee voting. Those can be found at sos.mo.gov/elections/goVoteMissouri/howtovote#Absentee.
I can't or don't want to go to my polling place on Election Day. What should I do?
You can vote either by absentee or mail-in. Visit newstribune.com/votingoptions for more information about absentee and mail-in voting.
I recently moved or changed my name. What should I do?
Fill out and submit a voter registration application listing the new address or name. You can make these changes at your polling location, but Cole County Clerk Steve Korsmeyer advises voters to make these changes prior to voting to help make the process smoother.
Information compiled from the Missouri Secretary of State's website and Cole County Clerk Steve Korsmeyer.