Want to vote by mail in November? It’s not easy. Here’s what Missourians need to know

As novel coronavirus cases continue to mount in Missouri, you might be hoping to vote by mail and avoid a trip to the polls on November 3.

Gov. Mike Parson signed temporary legislation in June expanding absentee voting in Missouri for those concerned about exposure to the virus. It means that just about everyone who is registered can use a mail ballot in 2020.

But the process can be confusing and cumbersome. For openers, unless you have coronavirus or are at-risk of contracting it, you must get your ballot notarized before mailing it back.

Voting rights advocates say a trip to the notary undermines the whole purpose of the mail option. The ACLU of Missouri is suing the state, arguing that voters should not have to put their health at risk to satisfy the notary requirement. The case is going to trial in a couple of weeks but it is uncertain whether there will be a resolution before November.

President Trump has repeatedly attacked mail-in voting, arguing with little evidence that it leads to fraud. Republican Gov. Mike Parson and the GOP-controlled General Assembly have consistently rejected calls for more relaxed mail-in voting options, contending that the notary provision protects against fraud.

“What we are against, and what President Trump is against, is voting absentee without a reason and without a signature verification,” Parson said when he signed the legislation into law.

You have two options for voting by mail: absentee ballots and mail-in ballots. They are not the same, and not understanding the difference could put you at risk of not having your vote counted in November.

How can Missouri residents vote absentee?

There are seven “excuses” allowing you to vote absentee in Missouri. Five of them require notarization: absence on Election Day from the jurisdiction where you are registered; a religious belief or practice that in-person voting would violate; working as an election official; being incarcerated but still eligible to vote, or placement in a witness protection program

There are two other excuses for which you do not need a notarized absentee ballot. One is if you’re ill, disabled or caring for someone who is. The other is if you are at risk contracting COVID-19.

For the COVID exception to apply, you must: be 65 or older; live in a long-term care facility; have chronic lung disease or asthma; a serious heart condition; a compromised immune system; diabetes; chronic kidney disease and are receiving dialysis, or liver disease.

If I’m in a COVID at-risk group do I need to provide documentation of my age or medical condition?

No, according to a spokesperson for the Missouri Secretary of State.

How do I get an absentee ballot in Missouri?

The application form is available online at the Missouri Secretary of State’s website. It can be returned to your local election board in person, or by mail, email or fax. Local election authorities are required to start sending ballots out by September 22.

What’s the deadline to request an absentee ballot?

The deadline is 5 p.m. October 21. Absentee ballots can be requested in person up until the day before Election Day.

What’s the deadline for returning an absentee ballot?

It’s 7 p.m. Election Day. It can be returned by mail or in person. If you’re a first-time voter who registered by mail, you’ll have to include a copy of either: a government issued ID; ID issued by a public or private college in Missouri; a current utility bill; bank statement, paycheck, government check, or other government document with your name and address.

How is a Missouri mail-in ballot different?

If you’re registered to vote in Missouri, you can vote by mail, without having to cite an excuse.

How do I get a mail ballot in Missouri?

You can find an application online from the Missouri Secretary of State’s office. Unlike absentee ballots, however, you can only request a mail ballot in person or by mail. And, also unlike absentee ballots, all mail ballots must be notarized. You may be charged a fee.

What’s the deadline to request a mail ballot?

The deadline is 5 p.m. Oct. 21. First-time voters who registered by mail will have to provide photo ID or other documentation.

What’s the deadline for returning a mail ballot?

The deadline is 7 p.m. Election Day. Voting rights advocates recommend the you complete the ballot and send it back as soon as possible. The USPS sent a letter to Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft’s office in early August advising that the state tell voters that they should send their ballots one week before Election Day to ensure that they are counted. Ashcroft said that voters should mail ballots two weeks before the election to prevent any delays.

And remember, it must be returned by U.S. mail only.

I’m not registered to vote in Missouri. Is there still time?

You have until close of business Oct. 7.

How do I register?

You can register in person at your local election authority; at a drivers licensing office while renewing a license; a library, or any Missouri agency where you are receiving services. Bring some form of government-issued photo ID or a utility bill. You can find other types of acceptable identification on the Missouri Secretary of State’s website.

You can find a registration application to print and mail in Missouri or you can register online at the Missouri Secretary of State’s office.

This story was originally published August 29, 2020 at 5:00 AM.