Voter Registration

If you want a voice in the democratic process, you'll need to register to vote. If you're not a registered voter, you're letting other people make decisions about your education, your health care, and your right to privacy.

Fortunately, the Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR) makes it easy to complete the voter registration process. Whenever you apply for a new driver's license or ID card or renew your current driver's license, you can complete a voter registration application at your nearest driver's license office. There is no charge to become a registered voter and your registration will remain valid until you change your address.

If you do not wish to complete your voter registration at the Missouri DOR, you can also register to vote at any armed forces recruitment office or state agency providing public assistance to Missouri residents. In addition, many non-profit organizations hold voter registration drives throughout the year.

Voter Eligibility

In order to vote in Missouri, you must:

• Be a U.S. citizen

• Be a Missouri resident

• Be at least 18 years old by the day of the election

You must also be registered in the jurisdiction of your domicile before the election. You cannot vote if you:

• Have been declared incapacitated

• Are imprisoned

• Were convicted of a felony or misdemeanor related to voting

• Are on probation or parole after a felony conviction

Voter Registration FAQs

Many young Missouri residents wonder if they should bother registering to vote if they will be attending college out of state. According to Missouri law, students can register to vote before school starts and vote by absentee ballot while attending classes.

Or, if you prefer, you can choose to register in the jurisdiction where you are completing your post-secondary education.

If you're concerned about privacy, you may be reluctant to share your personal information on a voter registration application. However, voter registration information is never used for commercial purposes. The only people who have access to this data are local election authorities.

Although you are not required to submit any identification when completing a voter registration application, you will not be allowed to vote in an election without acceptable proof of your identity. In most cases, your Missouri driver's license or non-driver photo identification card will suffice.

For more information about voting in Missouri, visit the Missouri Secretary of State Web site.