Who can register? | When is one registered? | How does one register? | Why does a voter need to re-register? | How does a voter know when to vote? | What times do polls open?
FAQs
Anyone can register who is:
- 17 1/2 years of age or older and will be at least 18 years of age on or before the date of the election.
- A resident of Missouri and a United States citizen.
- Not judicially declared incompetent.
- Pardoned, discharged or released from any felony conviction.
- Not convicted of any crime related to voting.
When one is registered is determined by the method used to register. If the registrant registers in the presence of an election official, he/she is registered when the form is signed by the election official. If the registrant registers using a post card application, then he/she is registered at the time of the postmark on the post card. However, if the election authority’s verification form that is mailed to the voter is returned undeliverable to the election authority, the registrant is not a registered voter. If the registrant registers at a Driver’s License bureau or other voter registration agency, he/she is registered when the form is signed. However, if the election authority’s verification form that is mailed to the voter is returned as undeliverable to the election authority, the registrant is not a registered voter.
It’s as easy as visiting your local library or your local Election Board or County Clerk and completing a voter’s registration card. Citizens can also register at Local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offices.
Why does a voter need to re-register?
To comply with State law, when a voter moves outside their original jurisdiction, the voter will need to re-register in the new jurisdiction. Also if a voter moves within his/her current jurisdiction, he/she has a responsibility to notify the Election Board or County Clerk of his/her new address. Failure to do so can result in voting delays at the polling place on Election Day and potentially could result in a voter being removed from the voting rolls.
How does a voter know when to vote?
Once registered, the Election Board or County Clerk will send a post card to notify voters of an upcoming election.
What times do polls open?
Polls open in Missouri at 6AM and close at 7PM. As long as you are in line at your polling place by 7:00 PM, you can vote, though if you can go in the middle of the day, lines may be shorter.
For more information, see the League's Register & Vote Brochure or the Missouri Secretary of State’s website.
