ABSENTEE AND MAIL-IN BALLOT REQUESTS DUE JULY 22

/ Union Avenue Christian Church /

The deadline in the state of Missouri to request an absentee or mail-in ballot for the August 4, 2020, election is July 22, 2020, at 5 p.m. Voters in Missouri currently can request absentee ballots only if they provide an excuse for why they can’t vote in person. Illness is one option.

Under an expanded interpretation of Missouri law signed by Gov. Parson June 4, 2020 (which will expire at the end of this year), people considered at-risk of the coronavirus — those age 65 and older, living in a long-term care facility or with certain existing health problems — could vote absentee without needing to have their ballot notarized. Anyone else could cast a mail-in ballot but would need to get it notarized.

You can find the request form for an absentee ballot on the Missouri Secretary of State’s website.

Following is information copied from the website regarding those who may apply for an absentee ballot:

  • Absence on Election Day from the jurisdiction of the election authority in which I am registered;

  • Incapacity or confinement due to illness or physical disability, including caring for a person who is incapacitated or confined due to illness or disability. (No Notary Required)

  • Religious belief or practice

  • Employment as an election authority or by an election authority at a location other than my polling place

  • Incarceration, although I have retained all the necessary qualifications for voting

  • Certified participation in the address confidentiality program established under sections 589.660 to 589.681, RSMo., because of safety concerns

  • I have contracted or am in an at-risk category for contracting or transmitting severe acute respiratory syndrome . . coronavirus 2 (COVID-19), pursuant to Section 115.277.6, RSMo. (No Notary Required) At-risk voters are individuals who: Are 65 years of age or older; have serious heart conditions; are immunocompromised; have liver disease; live in a long-term care facility licensed under Chapter 198, RSMo.; Hhave chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma; have chronic kidney disease and are undergoing dialysis; have diabetes

If you request an absentee ballot, the form may be returned to your local election authority in person, by mail, by fax, or by email.

Contact your local election authority if you have any questions or would like to request a form to be placed on the permanently disabled list.

If you’re not registered to vote or need to update your address, the deadlines are July 8 for the primary and October 7 for the November 3 general election. Register online at https://www.sos.mo.gov/elections/govotemissouri/register.

The LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS of Missouri has prepared a two-page FACT SHEET ON ABSENTEE VOTING available here.

Free Notary Services Available

Free notary services will be available at select St. Louis County Library branches in July to notarize mail-in ballots for the August 4 election (absentee ballots do not require the notarized signature). You must bring your ballot, along with a photo ID to have your ballot notarized. This free, volunteer service is presented in partnership with the National Council of Jewish Women St. Louis Jewish Community Relations Council of St. Louis (JCRC).

Monday, July 20 and 27
9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Headquarters Branch (1640 S. Lindbergh Blvd. St. Louis 63131-3598)

Tuesday, July 21 and 28
9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Weber Road Branch (4444 Weber Road St. Louis 63123-6744)

Wednesday, July 22 and 29
9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Natural Bridge Branch (7606 Natural Bridge Road St. Louis 63121-4905)

Thursday, July 23
9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Lewis & Clark Branch (9909 Lewis-Clark Blvd. St. Louis 63136-5322)

Friday, July 24
9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Headquarters Branch (1640 S. Lindbergh Blvd. St. Louis 63131-3598)

Saturday, July 25
9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Natural Bridge Branch (7606 Natural Bridge Road St. Louis 63121-4905)