We’re now in the final stretch leading up to one of the most important midterm elections in decades.
In Kansas, voters will decide a close race for governor and competitive contests for U.S. House seats. In Missouri, important changes in state law and the state’s constitution are on the ballot — as are Sen. Claire McCaskill and Josh Hawley, competing for a U.S. Senate seat.
It’s no secret that some political operatives want to make it harder for you to vote. While that’s shameful, it’s also easily overcome: You need only register, and cast a ballot, to make your voice heard.
The registration deadline is approaching quickly. And every resident should take advantage of several convenient methods to register and vote.
Missouri
The deadline to register in Missouri is Oct. 10. You can check your registration status at www.sos.mo.gov/elections/govotemissouri. You can get a registration form online at the same web address.
Remember: If you’ve moved recently, or changed your name, you need to re-register. Be sure to check your registration status if you’re unsure.
You can register in person at your county’s election board. Call ahead for office hours.
▪ Kansas City, Union Station, 816-842-4820, www.kceb.org
▪ Jackson County, 215 N. Liberty, Independence, 816-325-4600, www.jcebmo.org
▪ Clay County: 100 W. Mississippi St., Liberty, 816-415-8683, www.claycoelections.com
▪ Platte County, 2600 NW Prairie View Road, Platte City, 816-858-4400, www.plattemovotes.org
▪ Cass County, 102 E. Wall St., Harrisonville, 816-380-8102, www.casscounty.com
There are other places to register in person — at some public libraries, driver’s license offices and city halls. Call your local election board, or go to their websites, for more information.
You must be 18 by Nov. 6 to vote in this election. You also must be a U.S. citizen. Missouri does not register voters by party.
Kansas
The deadline to register in Kansas is Oct. 16. Check your registration status at https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/VoterView/RegistrantSearch.do.
Again, if you’ve moved recently, check your registration, or call your local election authority to make sure you’re properly on the books. You can register online at www.kdor.ks.gov/Apps/VoterReg.
Kansans register by party, or as unaffiliated voters. But all registered voters, regardless of party or affiliation status, can vote a full general election ballot in November.
You can register in person. Call ahead for office hours.
▪ Johnson County, 2101 East Kansas City Road, Olathe, 913-715-6800, https://jocoelection.org
▪ Wyandotte County, 850 State Ave. Kansas City, Kan., 913-573-8500, www.wycokck.org/Election
▪ Miami County, 201 S. Pearl Suite 102 Paola, 913-294-3976, www.miamicountyks.org/254/Elections
▪ Douglas County, 1100 Massachusetts St., Lawrence, 785-832-5267, www.douglascountyks.org/depts/voting-and-elections
▪ Leavenworth County, 300 Walnut St., Leavenworth, 913-684-0419, www.leavenworthcounty.org/clerk
Advance voting begins in Kansas on Oct. 17, although you should call your local election authority to find out exact times and places. Advance ballots can also be sent by mail.
Missouri does not have advance voting, but you can vote absentee for cause. Absentee voting has started.
The best advice? Leave nothing to chance. If you’re confused about your voter status, call the election board. They should be happy to help.
But make sure you’re eligible to cast a ballot.
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