With election day quickly approaching, and the recent changes to Missouri’s voting laws, it is important to know what will be required of you and stay up-to-date on important deadlines in the …
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With election day quickly approaching, and the recent changes to Missouri’s voting laws, it is important to know what will be required of you and stay up-to-date on important deadlines in the coming months.
What has changed?
In August, 2022 Secretary of State John R. Ashcrof implemented new voting laws for the state of Missouri. The law, which took effect after the 2022 primaries, aimed to strengthen Missouri's election integrity.
Prior to House Bill 1878 modifying the provisions related to elections, all one needed was their signed voter registration card to be able to vote. Voters are now required to present a valid photo ID when they vote in person.
According to the Secretary of State’s website, acceptable forms of identification include “non-expired”: drivers or non-drivers license, military or veteran’s ID, U.S. passport, or another state issued ID.
Those who forget their photo ID on election day but are registered to vote will still have the opportunity to submit a “provisional ballot”. Provisional ballots will only be counted if the voter returns to the poll with their photo ID or their signature is deemed to match the signature on their voter registration by the local election authority.
If you receive a provisional ballot on election day, instructions on how to verify your ballot will be provided.
House Bill 1878 also declares that no changes to voting law can be made within 26 weeks of a presidential election and allows for “no-excuse” absentee voting.
From the second Tuesday before the election, Oct. 22, until the day before the election, Nov. 4, voters can submit absentee ballots in-person without having to state why they are not able to vote on election day.
Important dates to remember
Tuesday, Oct. 9 is the last day to register to vote in the November 2024 election.
You can register to vote: online at the Secretary of State website, by mail after printing and completing the application also found on the Secretary of State’s website or in person at the Audrain County Clerk’s office at 101 N. Jefferson, Rm. 101
Monday, Oct. 22 absentee voting begins.
Absentee ballots in Audrain County can be requested from local election authority, county clerk Lisa Smith, in person at 101 N. Jefferson, Rm. 101, by mail, by fax, or by email lsmith@audraincounty.org. Absentee ballots can also be requested online
Tuesday, Oct. 23 is the last day to mail out an absentee ballot.
Anyone voting absentee by mail must send their ballots no later than Oct. 23 to ensure their vote is received and counted.
Saturday, Nov. 2 the Audrain County Clerk’s office will open from 8 a.m. to noon for absentee voting.
Those who will not be able to vote on election day can come to the Audrain County Clerk’s office at 101 N. Jefferson St. Rm. 101 with their photo ID to cast their ballots.
Monday, Nov. 4 marks the last day to vote absentee in person.
Tuesday, Nov. 5 is election day
For more information, you will find a comprehensive summary on HB 1878 on the Missouri Senate’s website, the current election lawbook is available via PDF on the Secretary of State website and at the Audrain County Clerk website.
