Missouri

Step 1: Apply

Can I vote-by-mail in my state?

Yes, Missouri will allow any registered voter to request a ballot. Follow the application steps below. Click here to register as a new voter or to check your existing registration. (It's always a good idea to double-check.) https://www.sos.mo.gov/elections/goVoteMissouri/register Missouri offers two kinds of remote voting options. Find out which is best for you. https://www.sos.mo.gov/CMSImages/ElectionGoVoteMissouri/Absentee-MailinBallotSummaries.pdf



Are there any other restrictions or requirements to apply?

Voters requesting a mail-in ballot by mail who have registered by mail and have not voted in person are required to submit a copy of their personal identification unless they provided a copy with their registration application. Examples of acceptable identification are:

  • 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;
  • A copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck or other government document that contains the name and address of the voter; or
  • Other identification approved by the secretary of state under rules promulgated pursuant to Missouri law.
This identification requirement, as well as the notary requirement for absentee ballots, does not apply to overseas voters, those on active military duty or members of their immediate family living with them or voters who are permanently disabled and their caregivers.



Who is allowed to vote-by-mail?

All registered Missouri voters can request mail-in ballots. Absentee voters must provide one of the following reasons for voting absentee:

  • Absence on Election Day from the jurisdiction of the election authority in which such voter is registered to vote;
  • Incapacity or confinement due to illness or physical disability, including a person who is primarily responsible for the physical care of a person who is incapacitated or confined due to illness or disability;
  • Religious belief or practice;
  • Employment as an election authority, as a member of an election authority, or by an election authority at a location other than such voter's polling place;
  • Incarceration, provided all qualifications for voting are retained. Certified participation in the address confidentiality program established under sections 589.660 to 589.681 because of safety concerns.
For an election that occurs during the year 2020, the voter has contracted or is in an at-risk category for contracting or transmitting severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (COVID-19). Voters who are considered at-risk for contracting or transmitting COVID-19 are those who:
  • Are 65 years of age or older;
  • Live in a long-term care facility licensed under Chapter 198, RSMo.;
  • Have chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma;
  • Have serious heart conditions;
  • Are immunocompromised;
  • Have diabetes;
  • Have chronic kidney disease and are undergoing dialysis; or
  • Have liver disease.



Application form link:

Mail-in and Absentee Application: https://www.sos.mo.gov/CMSImages/ElectionGoVoteMissouri/2020FillableBallotApplication-GeneralElection.pdf Missouri allows for Mail-In and Absentee Voting this November. This combo application form is confusing (and it's the fifth version they've released). Please note that you are choosing to vote EITHER: Absentee (the center section with all the of excuses listed) OR Mail-In (in which case you just check the line next to that option near the bottom). How to decide: https://www.sos.mo.gov/CMSImages/ElectionGoVoteMissouri/Absentee-MailinBallotSummaries.pdf



Where should I send my completed application?

Absentee Ballot requests may be returned to your local election authority in person, by mail, by fax, or by email. Mail-In Ballot requests must be returned to your local election authority only in person or by mail. https://www.sos.mo.gov/elections/goVoteMissouri/localelectionauthority Unless noted, these applications must be notarized. Here is a list of notaries who will provide their service free of charge: https://www.sos.mo.gov/elections/MailinNotary



When is the application due?

Technically, applications must be received by October 21, 2020 To avoid delays within the election office and the postal service, we recommend you send it immediately and no later than the middle of October. New voters must register by October 7, 2020.



***Shenanigan Alerts***

Things to look out for: Mail-In ballots MUST be returned by mail. They can not be dropped off in person. You may have seen memes and social media posts encouraging in-person drop off for ballots. This is true in every other state, but not Missouri. https://www.sos.mo.gov/CMSImages/ElectionGoVoteMissouri/Absentee-MailinBallotSummaries.pdf You must get both your Mail-In/Absentee application and your ballot notarized unless you are in an exempted group (options 2 and 7 on the application). It does not say this on the standalone Absentee application that is still live on the Secretary of State's website. Missouri offers two kinds of remote voting options. Find out which is best for you. https://www.sos.mo.gov/CMSImages/ElectionGoVoteMissouri/Absentee-MailinBallotSummaries.pdf



I have a question that wasn't answered here.

Please call the county election office where you live. They are in charge of elections and should be able to help you. https://www.sos.mo.gov/elections/goVoteMissouri/localelectionauthority



Step 2: Vote-by-Mail

When do I have to mail or drop off my completed ballot?

Technically, ballots must be received by Election Day. (November 3, 2020) To avoid delays within the election office and the postal service, we recommend you return your voted ballot as soon as it arrives and no later than the middle of October. You may have seen memes and social media posts claiming that you can and should deliver your ballots in person. That is true in other states, however Missouri makes very clear on this flyer that a mail-in ballot MUST be returned via the mail. https://www.sos.mo.gov/CMSImages/ElectionGoVoteMissouri/Absentee-MailinBallotSummaries.pdf Absentee ballots may be dropped at your local election office. But it's a good idea to call and check first. https://www.sos.mo.gov/elections/goVoteMissouri/localelectionauthority



Does it require a stamp? Two?

Read the outside of the envelope to see if additional postage may be required. The US Postal service will deliver any ballot, regardless of whether or not it has the correct postage, or any at all. They will charge the local election office for any unpaid postage. https://time.com/4547550/absentee-mail-ballot-postage-stamp-postal-service-usps/



Can my ballot be dropped off at a polling site or dedicated drop box?

Mail-in ballots MUST be mailed. Absentee ballots can be dropped at the office of the local election authority until 5:00 p.m. the night before the election. Counties may or may not establish drop boxes. Call for availability and locations. https://www.sos.mo.gov/elections/goVoteMissouri/localelectionauthority Counties have inconsistent policies regarding dropping absentee ballots at polling locations.



Is there any way to check if my ballot was received?

There is no electronic way to track your ballot. You may call the local election office to see if they have received it. https://www.sos.mo.gov/elections/goVoteMissouri/localelectionauthority



I have a question that wasn't answered here.

Please call the county election office where you live. They are in charge of elections and should be able to help you. https://www.sos.mo.gov/elections/goVoteMissouri/localelectionauthority



Early In-Person Voting

Does my state offer any in-person early voting days?

No.



I have a question that wasn't answered here.

Please call the county election office where you live. They are in charge of elections and should be able to help you. https://www.sos.mo.gov/elections/goVoteMissouri/localelectionauthority