How to vote in Missouri

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These guides are researched, written, and updated by Democracy Works, a non-partisan 501(c)(3) registered non-profit organization. The information in these guides originates from official state sources and is reviewed by state election offices. The guides also link to authoritative state and local resources to provide additional information.

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Registration Summary

Missouri offers online voter registration. You can register by mail to vote in Missouri by printing a voter registration form, filling it out, and mailing it to your local election office. You can also register to vote in person if you prefer.

Voting Summary

Missouri offers absentee ballots by mail to voters who will be unable to vote in person. All other voters are expected to vote in person. Missouri offers in-person voting before Election Day, called in-person absentee voting.

Registration Top Actions

Voting Top Actions

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Can I register to vote online?

  • Missouri offers online voter registration.
  • Missouri requires that you use a tablet, mobile device, or other touchscreen device to register online to vote. This is because you will be required to provide a signature during the process.

How can I check the status of my mail ballot?

Missouri doesn't offer ballot tracking.

Can I submit voter registration forms by mail?

Use the National Voter Registration Form

  1. Print and fill out the National Voter Registration Form.
  2. Box 6 - ID Number: Your completed voter registration form must contain your Missouri driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. If you do not have a driver's license or a Social Security number, please indicate “NONE” on the form. A unique identifying number will be assigned by the State.
  3. Box 7 - Choice of Party: You are NOT required to register with a party to participate in Missouri partisan primary elections.
  4. Box 8 - Race or Ethnic Group: Leave blank. This information is not required.
  5. Review the "Who can register to vote?" section above and check that you're eligible.
  6. Sign the form.
  7. Send the completed form to your local election office.
  8. If you are registering to vote for the first time in your jurisdiction and are mailing this registration application, federal law requires you to show proof of identification the first time you vote. You will be required to present a government-issued photo ID when you vote.

How do election officials keep voting secure?

Election officials in your state and community are working hard to ensure the integrity of our elections. All states have implemented security measures to protect the vote.

Visit the Missouri Secretary of State website to learn more about election security. If you’re interested in getting involved with elections in your community, contact your local election office to learn about opportunities in your area.

Can I submit voter registration forms in person?

How can I check my voter registration status?

You can look up your voter registration record and verify that your information is correct using Missouri's voter registration lookup tool.

Who can register to vote?

To register in Missouri you must:
  • be a United States citizen
  • be a resident of Missouri
  • be at least 17-1/2 years of age (you must be 18 to vote)
  • not be on probation or parole after conviction of a felony, until finally discharged from such probation or parole
  • not be convicted of a felony or misdemeanor connected with the right of suffrage
  • not be adjudged incapacitated by any court of law
  • not be confined under a sentence of imprisonment

Can I register to vote on Election Day?

Missouri does not offer registration on Election Day.

Can I register to vote before I turn 18?

You can register to vote in Missouri before you turn 18 if you:
  • are 17.5 years old
  • are a United States citizen
  • are a Missouri resident
  • are not adjudged incapacitated by any court of law
  • are not confined under a sentence of imprisonment
  • are not on probation or parole after a felony conviction (you can register if you are discharged from such probation or parole)
  • have not been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor connected with the right of suffrage

You must be at least 18 years old to vote.

Can I submit a voter registration application online before I turn 18?

Yes, you can register online on the Missouri Secretary of State website.
To register using the Missouri online voter registration system, you are required to use a tablet, mobile device, or another touchscreen device. This is because you will be required to provide a signature during the process.

If you don’t have a touchscreen device, you can still submit a voter registration application by mail or in person.

Can I submit a voter registration application by mail before I turn 18?

Yes, you can register to vote by mail using this form.
When submitting your application by mail in Missouri, you are required to provide your Missouri driver’s license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. If you have not been issued either or both of these numbers, leave the corresponding box blank.

When submitting a registration application by mail and registering to vote for the first time, you can optionally provide a copy of ONE of the following forms of identification:
  • current or valid photo ID
  • current utility bill, bank statement government check, paycheck, or other government document that shows your name and address
  • birth certificate
  • Native American tribal document
  • other proof of United States citizenship

You will be required to present a government-issued photo ID when you vote.

Can I complete a voter registration application in person before I turn 18?

Yes, you can learn more about registering to vote in person on the Missouri Secretary of State website.
You can complete a voter registration application in person at any of the following public agencies in Missouri:
  • County Clerk’s office
  • Department of Motor Vehicles office
  • any state agency providing service to the public

How do I vote in person?

Where can I vote on Election Day?

You can look up where to vote on Missouri's site.

Can I vote in person before Election Day?

  • Yes, Missouri offers in-person voting before Election Day, which in Missouri is called in-person absentee voting. During the two weeks before an election, any voter can vote an absentee ballot in person at a location designated by their local election office. You can choose whether to vote on Election Day or during the in-person absentee voting period, whichever is easier for you. This can be especially helpful if it would be difficult or not possible for you to vote on Election Day. In-person absentee voting locations may be less crowded, as well.

What do I need to bring?

You will be asked to show photo ID to vote in Missouri.

Acceptable Forms include:
  • nonexpired Missouri driver’s license
  • nonexpired or nonexpiring Missouri nondriver’s license
  • nonexpired United States passport
  • any photo identification issued by the Missouri National Guard, the US Armed Forces, including the Space Force, or the US Department of Veteran Affairs, and that is not expired or does not expire

If your driver or non-driver license expired after the most recent general election, it is an acceptable form of voter ID.

Any document that meets all of the following requirements will also be accepted:
  • contains your name, which must match the most recent signature in your voter registration record
  • shows your photo
  • includes an expiration date
  • is unexpired or expired after the last general election date
  • is issued by the United States or the State of Missouri

Voters without an ID: Voters without ID may cast a provisional ballot after completing a provisional ballot affidavit, and must return to the polling place by 7 p.m. to provide an acceptable form of identification.

If you do not return to your polling place with an acceptable ID, election officials will compare the signatures on your provisional ballot envelope and in the voter registry. If the signatures match, your vote will be counted.

How can I check the status of my ballot?

Missouri doesn't offer ballot tracking.

Can I vote early?

Yes, Missouri offers in-person voting before Election Day, which in Missouri is called in-person absentee voting.
  • During the two weeks before an election, any voter can vote an absentee ballot in person at a location designated by their local election office.
  • You can choose whether to vote on Election Day or during the in-person absentee voting period, whichever is easier for you. This can be especially helpful if it would be difficult or not possible for you to vote on Election Day. Voting locations may be less crowded, as well.
  • Learn more about voting in-person absentee in Missouri.

    • Contact your local election office for more information about where to vote in-person absentee before Election Day.

    What do I need to bring?

    You will be asked to show photo ID to vote in Missouri.

    Acceptable Forms include:
    • nonexpired Missouri driver’s license
    • nonexpired or nonexpiring Missouri nondriver’s license
    • nonexpired United States passport
    • any photo identification issued by the Missouri National Guard, the US Armed Forces, including the Space Force, or the US Department of Veteran Affairs, and that is not expired or does not expire

    If your driver or non-driver license expired after the most recent general election, it is an acceptable form of voter ID.

    Any document that meets all of the following requirements will also be accepted:
    • contains your name, which must match the most recent signature in your voter registration record
    • shows your photo
    • includes an expiration date
    • is unexpired or expired after the last general election date
    • is issued by the United States or the State of Missouri

    Voters without an ID: Voters without ID may cast a provisional ballot after completing a provisional ballot affidavit, and must return to the polling place by 7 p.m. to provide an acceptable form of identification.

    If you do not return to your polling place with an acceptable ID, election officials will compare the signatures on your provisional ballot envelope and in the voter registry. If the signatures match, your vote will be counted.

    How do I vote by mail?

    Missouri allows eligible voters to request a mail ballot. All other voters are expected to vote in person. Check to see if you’re eligible to vote by mail on Missouri's site.

    How do I get my ballot?

    Request your mail-in ballot with a mail ballot application.

    What should I do if I don’t get my ballot?

    If you don’t receive your ballot in the mail, then contact your local election office.

    How do I return my ballot?

    What do I need to do if I’ve moved?

    What’s on your ballot depends on where you live, so your voter registration is tied to your exact address. If you’ve moved, you need to re-register with your new address.

    How do I see what's on my ballot?

    View your sample ballot on the Missouri Secretary of State's website. Available ballot information may vary depending on the upcoming election.

    How do I vote if I'm in the military or live overseas?

    Active-duty military, their families, and overseas citizens can register to vote and request their absentee ballot using the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA). The FPCA process is done by mail, but your state may offer other options to request and return ballots. Please contact your local election office for more information about delivery and return methods, including email, fax, and state online portals. To follow the FPCA process:
    1. Fill out the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA), or download a copy. Your local election office may have questions, so please provide an email address or phone number where they can reach you.
    2. Send the application to your local election office.
    3. It is never too early to submit an FPCA! Please do so as soon as possible.
    4. Please fill out and send back your ballot as soon as you receive it.
    5. States begin mailing absentee ballots at least 45 days before Election Day. If you haven't received your ballot by 30 days before Election Day, contact your local election office.
    If your ballot does not arrive after you submit your FPCA, contact your local election office first. Then:
    • You can still vote using the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB). Print, sign, and mail your FWAB to your local election office.
    • If you mail a FWAB and then receive your regular absentee ballot, you should complete and mail your absentee ballot also. Election officials will ensure that only one ballot is counted.
    The Federal Voting Assistance Program offers additional information on military and overseas voting in Missouri. You can also call 1-800-438-VOTE (8683) or email vote@fvap.gov

    Which election office should I contact?

    • In Missouri, your local election office runs the elections in your area. They can help you with questions about registering to vote, voting by mail, and local elections.
    • The Secretary of State oversees elections and election administration in Missouri. They can help you with questions about voting in your state, election security, or issues you might have at the polls. If you have concerns about voter intimidation, reach out immediately.

    How do I contact my local election office?

    Visit your state’s site to find your local election office.

    How do I contact my state election office?