Voting is a crucial part of our society; everyone should know how to do it. When turning 18 or six months before turning 18, registering to vote is a must. However, the information on how to is not always readily available. Here’s some information so you can learn how to vote and be able to keep democracy alive not only in presidential elections but in local elections as well.
Registering to vote:
Registering to vote can happen any time during the year but when trying to register before a particular election day people must register at least 27 days before when online or in-person or have their mail postmarked 27 days before. For the up and coming April 7 election, registration must be done by Wednesday.
To register in the state of Missouri, residents can go to this website to do it online or this website to get forms to apply either in person or by mailing them in. When registering to vote whether online or in person, you will need the last four digits of your social security number as well as your driver’s license number (unless you don’t have a license). People can check whether they are registered or not here.
People can register to vote in person at any of the following places: an Election Authority Office, vehicle registration offices and state offices that provide public assistance.
How to vote:
In order to vote, it will be required to provide an acceptable form of voter identification which is listed here. Next, it is important to find your polling location. It can be found here.
Students going off to college or out of state can also participate via absentee voting. Voters can request a Missouri Absentee Ballet here which they will then need to mail or fax to the address listed on the form. Absentee voters must also provide a copy of their personal identification either with their registration for the form or with the actual ballot. Missouri also has something called a no-excuse absentee ballot. This can be done up to two weeks prior to the election but must be done no later than the day before the election at an Election Authority office. A photo ID is required in order to receive your ballot.
