It’s your last chance to register to vote in Missouri. Here’s what to know

If you’re a Missourian who recently turned 18, moved to the state, became a citizen or haven’t been voting, Wednesday, Oct. 9, is the last day to register to vote in the 2024 election.

On Election Day, Nov. 5, Missouri will not only vote on the next U.S. president, but also its next governor, a Senate seat, abortion rights, minimum wage and more.

The 2024 election has brought an increased interest in voting this fall, especially following the Sept. 10 presidential debate and Taylor Swift’s endorsement that same night.

But if you’re filling out a registration form, better check to make sure you’re not doubling up. Jackson County election officials said in September that they were seeing many duplicate registrations.

Checking your registration can also be helpful if you haven’t voted in recent elections. More than 500,000 Missouri voters are considered inactive and might have to take additional steps before or on Election Day to ensure they can cast a ballot.

How to check your registration

You can check on your voter registration through the voter registration lookup portal on the Missouri Secretary of State’s website.

You’ll be asked to enter your first and last name exactly as they appear on your registration, as well as your date of birth, your county and the last four digits of your Social Security number.

How to register to vote in Missouri

If you’re not already registered, you can fill out the form to become a Missouri voter online.

You’ll have to provide your name, last four digits of your Social Security number if you have one, your address and your birth date. Also on this form, you can provide information about a previous registration that should be canceled or updated, and you can choose a political party if you want.

Who is eligible to vote in Missouri?

According to the Missouri secretary of state, you must be a citizen of the United States, a resident of Missouri and 18 years old by Election Day.

You cannot be in prison or jail, or on probation or parole for a felony conviction, but you could be allowed to vote if you have completed your sentence for a felony conviction. The exception is for those convicted for a felony or misdemeanor for election-related crimes. People who have been declared legally incapacitated cannot vote.

The Star’s Eleanor Nash, Natalie Wallington and Lisa Gutierrez contributed to this article.

Have more questions about voting in the 2024 election? Ask the service journalism team at kcq@kcstar.com.