In 2026, voters in Missouri have concerns about possible intimidation at the polling place, false information, or police or ICE presence at the polls. Voters have new rights, and more voting options and voter protections.

New Voter Rights

ALL registered voters can vote during the Early Voting Period (officially known as No Excuse Absentee Voting). If you do not have one of the only acceptable Photo IDs (state or federal issued unexpired ID), you can vote using a blue provisional ballot. For the ballot to count, the election official compares your signature on the ballot to your signature on file. A very high percentage of these ballots have been counted in previous elections.

Felons still on parole will be able to VOTE. All former felons off papers can vote, and anyone on probation can vote. (For more information, download our brochure.)

Voting Options

Early Voting is available from October 20 to November 2 at the election office and in some larger counties there will be additional sites and weekend voting. If you do not have a state-accepted photo ID, you can request a provisional ballot, as noted above.

Absentee with Excuse Voting is available in person and by mail. Contact your election office to request a ballot by mail (deadline to request the ballot is October 21) or vote at your local election office. Acceptable excuses for voting early are: absence from your county, service as a poll worker, illness, or physical disability. You MUST have your ballot NOTARIZED unless you are incapacitated or confined due to illness or physical disability. Your election office must receive your mailed ballot by 7 p.m. on Election Day, November 3.

Vote on Election Day, November 3, from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. at a central polling location or at your assigned polling location.

Voter Protection

There is a statewide hotline for ANY voter intimidation or problems at the poll at

1-866-OUR-VOTE. Lawyers are available to answer your questions and provide assistance.

Missouri law does not allow campaigners, people holding campaign signs, people trying to give you literature, or individuals trying to intimidate voters within 25 feet of the polling site. The election official can extend that distance to 50 feet. Voter intimidation is against the law, not just outside the 25-50 feet distances.

Voter Education

Visit the VOTE411.org website to check your registration, register to vote (October 7th is the last day to register), and learn about candidates and ballot issues.

County Election Officials Run Elections

In Missouri, each county election official is responsible for running elections. All of these officials are committed to a free, fair, safe, and accurate election. There is no foreign influence on these officials. Their election results are protected and not accessible by outside entities.

Make a Voting Plan

1. Check your voter registration before October 7
2. If not already registered, the deadline is October 7
3. Update your address, if needed (you can do that up to and including Election Day if you move within the same county)
4. Educate yourself about Ballot Issues and Candidates
5. Decide whether to vote early or on Election Day
6. VOTE