As the state gears up for the upcoming general elections, some seniors haven’t registered yet and the deadline comes next month on Wednesday, Oct. 9, for online, by mail, and in-person registration.
This election promises to be close between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, making casting your vote essential to voice your opinions and beliefs. It is important to research on each candidate.
Here are some easy steps to register to vote using Missouri’s election website:
First, you have to be a U.S. citizen, a resident of the state of Missouri, be at least 17 ½ years of age and will be 18 before or on election day, Tuesday, Nov. 5, not be on probation or parole after being convicted of a felony until finally been discharged, not be convicted for a voting offense unless pardoned, not be deemed incapacitated by any court of law, and not to be under a sentence of imprisonment.
Since it’s your first time registering to vote, you should plan on providing identification when you vote which can be a Missouri driver’s license or a non-license that isn’t expired before or on election day, a non-expired military ID, a non-expired U.S. passport, or another photo ID issued by the United States or the state of Missouri which isn’t expired.
If you are qualified then go on https://s1.sos.mo.gov/elections/voterregistration/, fill out the form as a new registration then you’re done, it’s really easy as that and you only have wait for your voter ID card.
If you’re registering to vote by mail, request an application request here, https://s1.sos.mo.gov/elections/goVoteMissouri/request, and it must be postmarked by the registration deadline.
If you’re registering to vote in person, you can visit at your county clerk’s office, if you don’t know where that is, you can check here https://www.sos.mo.gov/elections/goVoteMissouri/pickupmail and they will provide you instructions. You can also do the application at a DMV or any state agency providing service to its residents.
Here’s what you will vote on also in the general election besides the Presidential candidates, which includes multiple amendments to the constitution and the law:
Amendment Three
The proposal would establish a constitutional right to reproductive healthcare decisions including abortion and contraception, remove Missouri’s abortion ban, allow health-related regulations, prohibit government discrimination in this area, and permit post-viability abortion restrictions except for maternal health or life preservation.
Amendment Seven
The proposal aims to align the Missouri Constitution with state law by restricting voting rights to U.S. citizens, prohibit ranked choice voting by limiting voters to one vote per candidate or issue, and ensure that the primary winner with the most votes becomes the sole party candidate in general elections.
Proposition A
The proposal would gradually raise Missouri’s minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2026, implement annual inflation-based adjustments thereafter, mandate employers provide paid sick leave, authorize the Department of Labor to oversee enforcement, and exempt government entities and educational institutions from these requirements.
Amendment Six
The proposal seeks to amend the Missouri Constitution to protect funding for law enforcement personnel involved in administering justice, with unknown fiscal implications for state and local governments.
Amendment Two
The proposal would authorize the Missouri Gaming Commission to regulate sports betting for adults 21+ within state borders, implement licensing fees and a 10% revenue tax primarily benefiting education, and allow the legislature to enact related laws.
Amendment Five
The proposal would authorize the Missouri Gaming Commission to issue a new gambling boat license for the Osage River, including nearby artificial water spaces, with all resulting state revenues allocated to early childhood literacy programs in public elementary schools.
