Stop! Are you registered to vote yet?

Election Day is coming up fast. Before then, you need to make sure that you’re properly registered to vote. Voter registration processes and deadlines vary from state to state, so here’s the basic rundown for Missouri.

First up, eligibility.

In order to register, you need to make sure you are…

• At least 17 years and 6 months of age — you MUST be 18 by Election Day (November 5th)
• A U.S. citizen
• A resident of Missouri (or of whatever state you’ll be voting in)

You cannot register to vote if you don’t meet the above criteria or if you…

• Are on parole for a felony
• Are being held in a penal institution (jail, detention center, etc.)
• Have been convicted for a voting-related misdemeanor or felony
• Have been deemed otherwise ineligible by a court of law

(Chances are, if you’re reading this article and you’re 18 or about to turn 18, you’re good.)

You need to re-register if you…

• Change addresses
• Change names (legally)
• Complete a felony sentence

Now, the registration process.

There are 3 ways to register.

Online

The most efficient way to register for those with ready access to an internet connection is through Missouri’s Secretary of State website at https://s1.sos.mo.gov/elections/voterregistration. It’s available 24/7.

In-Person

Every county has its own election office. For Clay County, check in at the Clay County Election Board Office for in-person registration. They’re open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can also check in with your nearest Mid-Continent Public Library, though be aware that not every location will offer registration services.

Mail

Physical registration forms can be filled out and mailed to your local election office. If you don’t feel like writing everything out, you can type in your answers then print them out at https://vote.gov/register/missouri/mail-in-form-filler.

The Clay County Election Board is located at 100 West Mississippi Street in Liberty, 64068.

The deadline at which your registration needs to be processed is October 9th for all registration methods. Don’t wait! Register as soon as possible!

Can’t remember if you registered? Need to check your status? Check here! voteroutreach.sos.mo.gov/portal

Voting is how we mold our government into one representative of everyone. Every vote counts. Registration is the first step in that process.