On Nov. 4, Missourians will join the nation in an election of unprecedented historical importance. The secretary of state’s 0ffice has been working with local election authorities across the state in preparation for possible record turnout. Missouri voters also need to prepare for the upcoming election by learning what will be on their ballot, where to vote and what type of identification they should bring to the polls.
Secretary of State Robin Carnahan released the following reminders for voters:
ELECTION DOs:
DO verify your registration status. If you are already registered to vote but your address is not current you can update your address even on Election Day. Go to www.GoVoteMissouri.com and click on “Voter Information Lookup.”
DO know where your polling place is. The Vote Missouri Web site includes a tool that allows voters to both find the address of their polling place and view it on a map. To find your polling place go to www.GoVoteMissouri.com and click on “Voter Information Lookup.”
DO know what to bring on Election Day. Missouri has a commonsense voter identification law that makes it easy for voters to prove who they are on Election Day and also ensures the voting system is secure. To see examples of accepted forms of identification, please go to www.GoVoteMissouri.com and click on “How to Vote.”
DO know what is on your ballot before Election Day. Newspapers around the state publish sample ballots twice before the election, and voters may also view their sample ballot online through the “Voter Information Lookup” tool on www.GoVoteMissouri.com. The sample ballot is included in today’s Messenger.
DO plan time to vote on Election Day. Lines are generally shorter earlier in the day and people can move through more quickly. If you cannot vote during business hours, plan enough time to make sure you are in line by 7 p.m. on Nov 4. Polls in Missouri are open from 6 a.m. until 7 p.m., and anyone in line by 7 p.m. will be allowed to vote.
DO bring your family and friends on Election Day. Nov. 4 will be an important day for all Americans and what better way to share it than going to vote together.
DO remember that Missouri no longer has a straight ticket voting option. You must fill out a choice on each race for it to be counted.
DO let authorities know immediately if you encounter any problems at the polls. If you have problems, call the election division hotline at 800-NOW-VOTE.
ELECTION DON’Ts:
DON’T cast a provisional ballot at the incorrect polling place. If a poll worker tells you that you are at the wrong polling place, take the time to go to the correct location to make sure your voice is heard. Provisional ballots cast at the incorrect polling place will not be counted.
DON’T be discouraged from voting if you are going through the foreclosure process. Whether you are still in your home, staying somewhere else in your county or have moved across the state, you should still be able to cast a ballot under Missouri law. Contact your local election authority or call 800-NOW-VOTE for more information.
DON’T sit on the sidelines during this important election. Remind your friends to vote, go as a group to vote and call your elderly family members and make sure they will have a chance to vote.
DON’T be discouraged by long lines or long ballots. Missourians will have the opportunity to decide many important issues during this election, which means ballots may take more time to fill out. You can be prepared by previewing your ballot online through the “Voter Information Lookup” tool at www.GoVoteMissouri.com. As long as you are in line by 7 p.m. on Nov. 4 you will be able to cast your ballot.
DON’T forget to watch the election night results come in with the new Election Night Reporting Maps. Please go to www.GoVoteMissouri.com and click on “Election Night Reporting Results.” Local reports will be posted at www.houstonherald.com and on the Herald’s information channel seen in Raymondville, Licking and Houston cable households.
DON’T forget to thank your poll workers. Without the more than 20,000 Missourians that have volunteered to be poll workers across our state, this election would not be possible. They work long days on the front lines of our elections and deserve appreciation.
Finally, all Missouri voters are encouraged to share their voting experience on the newest section of the Vote Missouri Web site called “I Voted.” Missourians can share their election experience by submitting their story on the site. These stories will be posted on the Web site after Election Day and used in the Voters First report, published by the secretary of state’s office after each election cycle. To tell your Election Day story visit www.GoVoteMissouri and click on the “I Voted” icon found on the home page.
Houston students participate today (Thursday) in an election throughout the district. The effort is a project of the Newspaper in Education project, which is sponsored by The Bank of Houston.