From national and state to local elections, Missouri voters will be faced with many issues as they head to the polls on Nov. 5. The Beacon’s coverage is here to bring context to these races, amendments and ballot issues through explainers, in-depth reporting, candidate Q&As and how-to guides. Have something specific you want us to look into? Submit it here.
Looking for Kansas election coverage? Head here.
Key dates leading up to the 2024 Missouri general election
Oct. 9: Voter registration deadline.
Sept. 24: Absentee voting begins (must provide a reason why you cannot vote on Election Day).
Oct. 22-Nov. 4: In-person no-excuse voting period (do not need to provide a reason why you cannot vote on Election Day).
Oct. 23: Deadline to request a mail-in ballot by 5 p.m.
Nov. 5: Election Day. Polling places are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. If you are in line by 7 p.m., you are allowed to vote.
KC Voter Guide
Looking for a comprehensive guide to the 2024 election? The Kansas City Media Collective, in partnership with The Kansas City Star, has gathered all the information you need to vote in Jackson, Johnson, Clay, Platte and Wyandotte counties. It’s entirely free and written in concise, easy-to-understand language. Find that guide here. It includes Spanish translations.
2024 ELECTION COVERAGE
Find the latest election coverage from Beacon staff and members of the Kansas City Media Collective
How to register to vote in Missouri
To vote in Missouri, you must be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen and a state resident. If you will be 18 by Election Day, you can register as young as age 17 1/2. The last day to register to vote for the Nov. 5 general election is Oct. 9, 2024. If you’ve recently moved, remember to update your address.
Here’s how to register:
- Fill out an online form. The form still has to be printed and mailed or submitted in person.
- Print and mail your registration form.
- Register in person at the county clerk’s office, Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or other state agency.
- Request an application, which will be mailed to you. You’ll then have to mail it back or submit it in person.
How to find a Missouri sample ballot
You may be able to check your sample ballot at the same link where you check your registration.
Other options to view sample ballots include your polling place, election authority websites and local newspapers.
A sample ballot customized to your address shows you exactly what your ballot will look like in advance so you know which races to research.
Other sample ballots will show you every race or ballot measure in the area covered by the election authority, such as a county, meaning you would still have to figure out which races will appear on your personal ballot.
You can also look up statewide ballot measures online and see the list of federal and state candidates.
How to find where you vote on Election Day
Your voter information lookup may identify your polling place. But you can also verify it with your local election authority, such as a county election board or the Kansas City Election Board.
Here’s where to find more information in:
You may also receive a card in the mail with your polling place.
What form of ID you need to vote
Missouri has recently tightened voter ID requirements.
To vote, you now need a photo ID such as a current Missouri driver’s license or nondriver license, a current U.S. passport, a current military ID or another U.S. or state-issued photo ID.
If you arrive without an acceptable ID, you can cast a provisional ballot. It will be counted if you return with a proper ID later the same day or if the election office decides the signature on your provisional ballot matches the one on your registration.
What issues will you find on the ballot?
Amendment 2: Legalize sports betting for Missourians 21 and older.
Amendment 3: Legalize abortion and allow lawmakers to regulate it after fetal viability.
Amendment 5: Allow for a casino to be built at the Lake of the Ozarks.
Amendment 6: Allow the state court system to impose costs and fees on court cases to help compensate current and former sheriffs, prosecuting attorneys and circuit attorneys.
Amendment 7: Ban ranked-choice voting and change Missouri law to say that only U.S. citizens can vote in elections.
Proposition A: Gradually increase statewide minimum wage to $15 starting Jan. 1, 2025, with changes based on the consumer price index starting in 2027. Proposition also expands paid family leave.
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