How to Vote in Missouri's 2022 Elections

En español |  Missouri’s Nov. 8 general election will decide races for seats in the U.S. House and Senate and the state legislature, among others. The primary was held on Aug. 2.

• In-person voting on Election Day:  The general election is Tuesday, Nov. 8. Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Absentee voting: You will need to meet certain criteria to cast an absentee ballot and most ballots will require a notary. No-excuse absentee voting is permitted two weeks before the Nov. 8 general election.
• Early in-person voting: If you qualify for an absentee ballot, you can fill it out and submit it in person at your county election authority until Nov. 7 for the general.

A new election law requires voters to present a valid photo ID when casting a regular ballot in person, allows no-excuse absentee voting two weeks before an election and bans the use of drop boxes. The law took effect on Aug. 28.

Also, the state's redistricting plan has redrawn certain congressional and state legislative districts, and may affect which candidates appear on your ballot.

• U.S. Senate: Attorney General Eric Schmitt (R), Trudy Busch Valentine (D)
• U.S. House: all eight seats
• State Senate: 17 of 34 seats
• State House: all 163 seats

• In person: Register in person or drop off a completed registration form at your local election authority. Or register at a local library, a driver’s licensing center or at other state agencies listed on the secretary of state’s website. If you register in person, you’ll need to present a valid form of ID, such as a driver’s license or U.S. passport.
  
• Online: Use the state’s voter registration portal. You’ll be asked for your driver’s license number (if you have a license) and the last four digits of your Social Security number.

• By mail: Download and print a voter registration form from the secretary of state’s website, then complete it and mail it to your county election authority. You can also fill out an online form to have an application mailed to you, or contact your election authority to ask that they mail you a ballot.

The deadline to register online, by mail or in person is Oct 12. If you mail your application, it must be postmarked Oct. 12. Check your voter registration status through the state’s voter information portal.

Absentee ballots are only available to certain voters, including people with an illness or disability or who will be out of town on Election Day. A full list of criteria is on the secretary of state’s website. You’ll need to get your ballot notarized unless you’re a nursing home resident or confined to your home because of an illness.

Absentee voting begins Sept. 27 for the general election.

• By mail: Print an absentee ballot application form and mail it to your local election authority. Or contact your election authority and ask that they mail you an application. You can also email or fax completed forms to your elections authority. Forms must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Oct. 26 for the general.

• In person: Fill out a ballot request or drop off your completed form at your local election authority. If ballots are available, you can fill one out and cast it while you’re there until 5 p.m. on Nov. 7.

Once you receive your ballot, you’ll need to complete it and return it to your local election authority by mail or in person by 5 p.m. on Nov. 7. If you've forgotten to mail your completed absentee ballot by the deadline, you can hand-deliver it to your local election authority by 5 p.m. on Election Day.

No-excuse absentee voting is now available for two weeks before the Nov. 8 general election. Visit your election authority to request and submit an absentee ballot without an excuse from Oct. 25 until Nov. 7 at 5 pm. Be sure to bring a valid ID.

Yes. If you have a physical disability, you can ask to be placed on the state’s permanent absentee voting list. Absentee ballot applications should then be automatically mailed to you before every election. Contact your local election authority for more information.

Polling places in Missouri offer curbside voting to people with limited mobility, so you can stay in your car while a poll worker brings you a ballot. Polling locations also have equipment to help people who are visually impaired.

Check with your local election authority or call the secretary of state’s office toll free at 800-669-8683 to confirm the receipt of your ballot.

Only if you qualify for an absentee ballot or you obtain one during the two week no-excuse absentee voting period for the general election. You can fill one out at your local election authority starting Sept. 27 for the general election up until 5 p.m. the day before the election. Your ballot won’t need to be notarized if you fill it out at your election authority.

The general election is Tuesday, Nov. 8. Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., but you can vote after 7 p.m. as long as you’re in line before polls close. Contact your local election authority to find your polling place.

Yes, you’ll need to show a Missouri driver’s license, state ID card, U.S. passport or other acceptable ID listed on the secretary of state’s website. If you forget your ID, you can still cast a provisional ballot, which will be counted as a regular ballot as long as your signature matches the signature in the state’s voter registry or if you return to your polling place with proper ID.


Editor’s note: This guide was updated on Aug. 8, 2022, with information about how to vote in 2022. The guide was first published on Aug. 10, 2020.

• Follow AARP's political coverage at aarp.org/elections  
• Keep up with local events and AARP advocacy efforts at aarp.org/missouri
• Text MOVOTES to 22777 to receive a one-time text message with a link to Missouri voter information. Message and data rates may apply. Terms apply: https://aarp.info/tcady