Missouri voter registration guide: Checking voter registration status, options to vote

With a number of big elections on the horizon in 2024, some Missourians may be wondering how they can get prepared to participate.

While there are no statewide elections happening in 2023, those who have not yet registered to vote in the 2024 elections may want to begin collecting the documents necessary to complete their voter registration.

There is a presidential election coming Nov. 5, 2024. Voters wanting to participate in that election must register to vote with local election authorities by October 9, 2024.

Missouri has transitioned away from a statewide presidential primary system. The Republican and Democratic parties are now responsible for conducting their own caucus or primary to select their presidential candidates.

For members of the Republican party, there will be a caucus held in each of the state’s 114 counties on March 2 at 10 a.m. The caucus will go on until a candidate has been chosen, which could take several hours.

Venues may not have been selected yet for the caucuses, so officials are recommending consulting local election authorities or Republican party leaders in each county closer to time.

For members of the Democratic party, a primary election will be conducted March 23 between 8 a.m. and noon. Again, it is unclear which venues will host these primaries in each county, but more details will be communicated closer to time.

Plans for both the Republican caucuses and Democratic primaries are still being finalized, and more details will be determined following approval from each parties’ national committees.

Candidates running for their parties’ nominations in races for state or county offices will be decided in the statewide primary election Aug. 6. The voter registration deadline for this election is July 10.

General municipal elections are scheduled for April 2, with the voter registration deadline being March 6. If applicable in a voting area, bond elections will be held Feb. 6. Those wanting to participate in these elections must register by Jan. 10.

More: Missouri Democrats, Republicans work to recruit candidates, fill ballots for 2024

How can I register to vote or check my registration status?

There are a few options for those looking to become registered voters in their county of residence. All options can be accessed online at the Missouri Secretary of State’s website.

If you’re unsure whether you are registered to vote, the Missouri Secretary of State’s website has a voter registration portal that can be used to verify your registration.

First, those looking to complete their registration completely online can access the form online on their tablet, mobile device, or other touchscreen device. Having a touchscreen is essential for completing the electronic signature necessary to submit the registration form.

Those using a desktop computer or other digital access devices can still fill out the registration form on their device, but they will need to print and sign the completed form, then mail it to their local election authority, the address of which can also be found on the Missouri Secretary of State’s website.

For those wishing to register in person, applications can be retrieved from the local election authority, which is generally the county clerk. Additionally, voter registration forms are available at a Department of Motor Vehicles office or any state agency providing service to the public.

Voter registration forms can also be mailed directly to a residence, if that option is requested online. Completed registration forms must be returned to the local election authority.

In order to be eligible to vote, you must be a U.S. citizen and a Missouri resident, as well as be at least 17 ½ years old when registering and be turning 18 years old on or before the election day.

Those participating in either the Republican caucuses or the Democratic primary to nominate presidential candidates will need to certify their affiliation as a member of either party.

For Republicans and Democrats, this can be done in advance online at the Missouri Secretary of State’s website, but must be completed using a touch screen device. Party affiliation can also be registered with local election authorities or using voter registration forms.

Those participating in the Republican caucuses can affirm their party affiliation at the caucus, but are encouraged to pre-register to save time on the day of the caucus. It is unclear from the preliminary rules for the Democratic primary whether same-day registration as a member of the Democratic party will be available.

Those wishing to participate in the Democratic primary election on March 23 do not have to be at least 17 ½, but they must also turn 18 by the time of the General Election on Nov. 5, 2024.

There are a few other stipulations which must be met in order to register to vote:

• Must be registered to vote in the jurisdiction of the person's domicile prior to the election;

• Cannot be imprisoned;

• Cannot be on probation or parole after conviction of a felony;

• Cannot have been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor connected to voting; and

• Cannot have been declared incapacitated.

More: Caucuses are replacing the Republican presidential preference primary. What to know

How and where can I vote in upcoming elections?

On Election Day, polling places are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. This excludes any party-run caucus or primary for the 2024 presidential election.

When you register to vote, you will be assigned a polling place based on your residential address. This is also listed on sample ballots that are mailed to each registered voter’s address. If you can’t remember where your polling place is, it can be found by checking your voter registration on the Missouri Secretary of State’s website.

At the polling place, voting will either be conducted by paper ballot or voting machine. There are no longer “straight party” ticket options, so voters must mark the ballot individually for each selected candidate. Local election workers can assist any who are unfamiliar with using voting machines.

Those needing accessible voting options will find that every accessible polling place using voting machines has one that will be accessible. If a polling place is not accessible, the voter may request a new polling place.

Additionally, curbside voting may be requested for those at non-accessible polling places. An election worker is allowed to bring a ballot outside to be completed and immediately returned to the polling place.

Permanent absentee voting is an option for those with a permanent physical disability. This must be requested directly with your local election authority, and does not require a notarized signature.

Others seeking absentee voting options must submit a valid reason to do so prior to the second Tuesday before an election. These reasons include:

• Absence on Election Day from the jurisdiction of the election authority in which such voter is registered to vote;

• Incapacity or confinement due to illness or physical disability on election day, including a person who is primarily responsible for the physical care of a person who is incapacitated or confined due to illness or disability and resides at the same address;

• Religious belief or practice;

• Employment as an election authority or by an election authority at a location other than such voter’s polling place, a first responder, a health care worker, or a member of law enforcement;

• Incarceration, provided all qualifications for voting are retained;

• Certified participation in the address confidentiality program established under sections 589.660 to 589.681 of the Missouri Revised Statutes because of safety concerns.

Absentee ballots must be notarized and submitted to the local election authority in person, by mail, by fax or by e-mail. A form is available on the Missouri Secretary of State’s website. Relatives including a spouse, parent or children may complete this form for their relative who is unable to do so themselves.

Local election authorities must receive mailed or faxed absentee ballots by 5 p.m. on the second Wednesday prior to any election. Absentee ballots can be submitted in person to the local election authority until 5 p.m. on the night before the election.

No-excuse absentee voting begins the second Tuesday before an election and lasts until the day before the election.

Under Voter ID laws passed in 2022, voters must bring a non-expired photo ID issued by the state of Missouri or federal government. Examples of this include a Missouri driver’s license, Missouri non-driver’s license, a U.S. passport, or military ID.

You don’t need to have a REAL ID to vote, and the address listed on your ID doesn’t have to match the address on your voter registration. If you are voting absentee, you must submit a copy of your photo ID, unless it was submitted with your registration application.

If you don’t have a state or federally issued photo ID, you may cast a provisional ballot. These can be verified and counted by either bringing your photo ID to the polling place before the end of the polling hours, or by checking your signature against the signature on the voter registration form.

Those who are members of the U.S. Armed Forces or U.S. citizens who overseas during the election can request an absentee ballot via the Missouri Secretary of State’s website. They are not required to submit their photo ID or have their ballot notarized. Those stationed in a hostile zone will be able to submit their ballots electronically.

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Missouri voter registration guide: What to know for the 2024 elections