Wednesday is the last day to register to vote in Missouri. Here’s what to know
The deadline to register to vote in Missouri is nearly here, but there’s still time to send in your registration and make sure your voice is heard on Election Day, Nov. 8.
The last day to register in Missouri is Wednesday, Oct. 12. Your registration application must be submitted online, completed in person or postmarked by that day in order for it to count. Here’s how to register and what to expect on your ballot in November.
What will be on my ballot in Missouri?
Missouri voters will have the chance to weigh in on five ballot initiatives on November 8, covering issues including KCPD funding and legalizing recreational marijuana. Kansas City voters will get to weigh in on two more ballot questions that deal with funding for parks and affordable housing.
Voters will also vote on candidates for a variety of elected positions, including:
U.S. Senator
U.S. Representatives
State senator
State representatives
State Auditor
Some local positions are also up for grabs, including Clay and Platte County commissioners, Jackson County legislature seats and the Jackson County Executive.
To find out where each candidate stands on the issues you care about, check out our voter guide in the weeks leading up to Election Day.
How do I register to vote for the first time?
The deadline to register in Missouri is Wednesday, Oct. 12. You can register online, register in person at your election office, print and mail a paper application to your election office or request a paper application be mailed to you.
You can also ask someone at your library branch to help you register to vote.
A quick note on finding your KC election office: The Kansas City Election Board oversees elections for Kansas City residents who live south of the river, and the Jackson County Election Board manages elections for residents in Jackson County who live outside of Kansas City — think Independence or Raytown. The Platte County Board of Elections and the Clay County Board of Election Commissioners cover everything north of the river.
I recently moved or changed my name. How do I update my registration?
In Missouri, you can update your name with an election judge at your polling place on Election Day. You can vote in one election under your old name, but then you have to send in a new voter registration application with your new name.
You can also update your address on Election Day if you moved to a new address within the same county and your old registration is still active.
If you moved to a new county, moved to Missouri from out of state or if your registration at your old address was removed from the voter rolls, you have to send in a new registration application.
What do I need in order to register to vote?
Missouri only requires prospective voters to provide their full name, date of birth and address of residence when registering to vote.
You may be asked to provide a driver’s license number and/or a Social Security number on your registration application. However, both of these are optional. If you don’t have a driver’s license or a Social Security number, leave these fields blank.
You may also be given the option to affiliate yourself with a political party, but this step is optional, too.
You have to be at least 18 years old by Nov. 8, 2022, and a U.S. citizen, to vote in the next election. You will also need a photo ID to vote.
What other deadlines are coming up in Missouri?
Oct. 25 is the first day of no-excuse in-person absentee voting for any voter. The days and hours vary by county, so check with your local election office.
Oct. 26 is the deadline request an absentee ballot.
Nov. 8 is Election Day.
Do you have more questions about voting in Missouri or Kansas during this election season? Ask the Service Journalism team at kcq@kcstar.com.
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