Students Should Plan Ahead to Vote in November

Students have a variety of options to cast their vote in the Nov. 5 election this year.

To vote in Missouri, individuals must be; a U.S. citizen; 18 years of age by election day; and a resident of the state or attending a college or university in the state. Out-of-state students may not register to vote in both their home state and in Missouri. The deadline to register to vote for this year’s election is Oct. 9.

Students registered to vote in Adair County can vote in person on election day at their polling precinct, which is determined by their local address. On-campus students registered to vote can do so at the polling precinct in the Student Union Building.

Voters may choose to request an absentee ballot in their home county. Registration for an absentee ballot is usually open six weeks before election day. Ballots are due back to the county clerk’s office before the election. Absentee ballots in Missouri require notary service. There are notaries on campus to assist students in the Business Office in McClain Hall and in the Department of Public Safety in the General Services Building. A picture ID is required for notary service.

For those who will not be able to vote in person at their regular precinct the day of the election, absentee in-person voting in their registered county is available at the county clerk’s office until 5 p.m. the night before the election.

Voters should contact the county clerk’s office in the county in which they are registered if they would like additional information regarding this year’s election.