Missouri Voting Guide
A task-focused dashboard for registration, deadlines, ID rules, ballot tools, and official election authority links for the 2026 midterms.
Not an official government website. Election laws and deadlines can change. Use this guide as a starting point, then confirm legally binding details with the official source links on this page.
State Voting Summary
In Missouri, the next general election is scheduled for November 3, 2026. To participate, voters must meet the following registration deadlines — online: 27 days before Election Day — Closed Oct. 7; mail: Must be postmarked 27 days before Election Day — Closed Oct. 7; in-person: 27 days before Election Day — Closed Oct. 7.
Early voting schedule: No-excuse in-person absentee voting runs Oct. 20 through 5 p.m. Nov. 2 at your local election authority's office. Absentee voting with an excuse began Sept. 22. Absentee ballot request deadline: Your election authority must receive your mail request by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 21, and you can vote absentee in person through 5 p.m. on Nov. 2. Ballot return deadline: Your election authority must receive your ballot by the close of polls at 7 p.m. on Nov. 3.
ID requirement for Missouri: Missouri requires a photo ID: a Missouri driver's or nondriver license, U.S. passport, military ID, or other federal or state photo ID, and a free ID is available. Without one, you can vote a provisional ballot that counts if you return with ID that day or your signature matches. Always verify these dates and rules directly with the official Missouri election authority before Election Day.
Quick actions
Registration sourcevote.govPolling place sourcesos.mo.govBallot information sourcesos.mo.govCandidate information sourcesos.mo.govVoter Registration
- Online
- 27 days before Election Day — Closed Oct. 7
- By mail
- Must be postmarked 27 days before Election Day — Closed Oct. 7
- In person
- 27 days before Election Day — Closed Oct. 7
- Eligibility
- U.S. citizen, resident of Missouri, and 18 by Election Day; confirm special circumstances with the official source.Verify at official source
Election Dates and Ballot Timing
General Election
November 3, 2026
Primary Election
August 4, 2026
- Primary
- August 4, 2026
- General
- November 3, 2026
- Early voting
- No-excuse in-person absentee voting runs Oct. 20 through 5 p.m. Nov. 2 at your local election authority's office. Absentee voting with an excuse began Sept. 22.Source: sos.mo.gov
- Ballot request
- Your election authority must receive your mail request by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 21, and you can vote absentee in person through 5 p.m. on Nov. 2.Source: sos.mo.gov
- Ballot return
- Your election authority must receive your ballot by the close of polls at 7 p.m. on Nov. 3.Source: sos.mo.gov
How to Vote and ID Rules
Accepted ID guidance
Missouri requires a photo ID: a Missouri driver's or nondriver license, U.S. passport, military ID, or other federal or state photo ID, and a free ID is available. Without one, you can vote a provisional ballot that counts if you return with ID that day or your signature matches.
Source: sos.mo.govMail voting guidance
Mail ballots require a reason, such as being away on Election Day, illness or disability, religious belief, certain election, first responder, health care or law enforcement work, incarceration, or the address confidentiality program. Anyone can vote absentee in person with no excuse from Oct. 20 through Nov. 2.
Source: sos.mo.govEverything you need to prep and track your absentee ballot securely.
Envelopes
Stamps
Black/blue pens
Small file folder
Calendar and reminder planner
Address labels
Privacy roller stamp
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Ballot and Candidate Tools
Federal races: U.S. House; no regularly scheduled U.S. Senate race listed by the FEC for 2026.Verified official source
Statewide/local races: Statewide, legislative, judicial, and local offices vary by state and district; confirm your sample ballot with the official election authority.Verify at official source
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the voter registration deadline in Missouri for the 2026 midterms?
Vote.gov lists these registration timing rules for Missouri: online - 27 days before Election Day — Closed Oct. 7; by mail - Must be postmarked 27 days before Election Day — Closed Oct. 7; in person - 27 days before Election Day — Closed Oct. 7. Eligibility rules state: U.S. citizen, resident of Missouri, and 18 by Election Day; confirm special circumstances with the official source. Check with Missouri Secretary of State Elections & Voting for full details.
When does early voting start in Missouri?
No-excuse in-person absentee voting runs Oct. 20 through 5 p.m. Nov. 2 at your local election authority's office. Absentee voting with an excuse began Sept. 22.
Do I need an ID to vote in Missouri?
For ID requirements: Missouri requires a photo ID: a Missouri driver's or nondriver license, U.S. passport, military ID, or other federal or state photo ID, and a free ID is available. Without one, you can vote a provisional ballot that counts if you return with ID that day or your signature matches.
How do I request an absentee or mail ballot in Missouri?
Mail ballots require a reason, such as being away on Election Day, illness or disability, religious belief, certain election, first responder, health care or law enforcement work, incarceration, or the address confidentiality program. Anyone can vote absentee in person with no excuse from Oct. 20 through Nov. 2. Regarding timing: Your election authority must receive your mail request by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 21, and you can vote absentee in person through 5 p.m. on Nov. 2. And for returns: Your election authority must receive your ballot by the close of polls at 7 p.m. on Nov. 3.