Missouri election 2026: What to know before heading to the polls

Missouri voters will decide whether to ban most abortions, approve a new congressional map and strengthen protections for citizen-led ballot measures Tuesday, along with choosing representatives in Congress and the state legislature.

Before heading to the polls for the Nov. 3 general election, it’s worth taking a few minutes to check your polling location, review your ballot and make sure you have the identification you need.

The Missouri Independent has answers to some common Election Day questions.

What time do polls open?

Polls across Missouri open at 6 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. Voters in line by 7 p.m. are entitled to cast a ballot.

Where do I vote?

Before heading out the door, check your voter registration and polling location at GoVoteMissouri.com.

Most Missouri voters must cast their ballots at an assigned polling place, though some jurisdictions have voting centers where residents can vote at multiple locations.

If you have questions about your polling location or the information listed on the state’s website, contact your local election authority.

How do I find out what’s on the ballot?

Local election authorities provide sample ballots that voters can review, mark and bring with them on Election Day as a guide.

Sample ballots are typically available on county election websites and may also be found through the state’s voter information lookup system.

Researching your ballot ahead of time can help reduce the time you spend at the polls. Voters may bring printed notes or a sample ballot into the voting booth.

What are acceptable forms of ID to vote?

To cast a regular ballot, registered Missouri voters must present acceptable photo identification issued by Missouri or the federal government.

Accepted forms of identification include:

– A Missouri driver’s license or nondriver identification card that is unexpired or expired after Nov. 5, 2024.
– A military identification card, including a veteran identification card, that is unexpired or has no expiration date.
– An unexpired U.S. passport or passport card.
– Another photo identification issued by Missouri or the federal government that is unexpired or expired after Nov. 5, 2024.

Student IDs and driver’s licenses issued by other states are not accepted.

Registered voters without acceptable identification may cast a provisional ballot. That ballot will count if the voter returns to the polling place before polls close on Election Day with acceptable photo identification or if the local election authority determines that the signature on the provisional ballot envelope matches the signature in the voter’s registration record.

Voters who cast provisional ballots receive a stub with instructions for checking whether their ballots were counted.

Can I wear a T-shirt with my candidate’s name on it?

No. Missouri prohibits campaign apparel advocating for a candidate or ballot issue inside a polling place.

State law also prohibits electioneering within 25 feet of the building’s closest outside door. Under a law that took effect in August, local election authorities may extend that restriction to 50 feet if they provide the required public notice.

Can I take a picture of my ballot?

Voters should not photograph or share a marked ballot. Missouri law prohibits intentionally revealing a ballot to show how someone voted or intends to vote.

What if I need help casting my ballot?

Voters with disabilities can request assistance from election workers or bring someone to help them vote. Polling places must provide accessible voting equipment, and voters with limited mobility may request curbside voting.

If you make a mistake while marking your ballot, you can ask an election judge for a replacement.

Who can I call if I need help?

Voters can call the Missouri Secretary of State’s election complaint hotline at 1-800-669-8683 to report suspected violations of election laws.

The nonpartisan Election Protection hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683) also has trained volunteers available to answer voting questions and help resolve Election Day problems.