Voter registration deadline for Missouri/Kansas nears

With the November 6 election just six weeks away, some are wondering, “Am I still registered to vote?” while others may be first-time voters.

The question often arises for people who have – or plan a move to – a new home, for college students away at – or just returned from – school over the summer, or senior adults who have moved in with family, assisted living or nursing homes.

Missouri and Kansas both offer different deadlines and processes.

MISSOURI

Missouri’s deadline is October 10, whether you plan to register online, in person or by mail.

If registering by mail, you need to print a copy of the National Voter Registration Form, fill it out and mail or deliver it to your local election office.

To register in person you can visit your local Department of Motor Vehicles office, election office and possibly library.

For online voter registration you need to use a tablet, mobile device, or other touchscreen. Non-touchscreen laptops or desktop computers won’t work for the process.

KANSAS

In Kansas the process is similar but with a few differences. First, and most importantly, the deadline is October 16 and applies whether you are registering by mail, online or in person.

Again, you can register to vote by mail by printing a copy of the National Voter Registration Form, filling it out, and mailing it to your local election office. The key here is to mail it or hand deliver it. Kansas also offers easy and convenient online voter registration. To register to vote online, you must have a valid Kansas driver’s license or nondriver’s identification card. If you don’t have a Kansas-issued ID, you can still register to vote by mail.

If you prefer, you can also register to vote at your county election office.

Did you move?

Regardless if you live in Kansas or Missouri, if you move, even just a few blocks to a new address, you should update your information as soon as possible. If you move after the registration deadline you can still vote a complete ballot at the precinct assigned to your old address. In that case, when you go to vote you will be required to complete a new voter registration application.

MILITARY AND OVERSEAS VOTERS

Active-duty military, their families, and voters living outside the US can register to vote and request their absentee ballot using the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA). To do so:

• Fill out the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA), or download a copy. Your election official may have questions, so please provide an email address or phone number where they can reach you.
• Send the application to your election official.
• It is never too early to submit an FPCA! Please do so as soon as possible. You can look up recommended mailing dates by country and region.
• When your ballot arrives, read it carefully and follow the instructions to complete it and return it.
• States begin mailing absentee ballots at least 45 days before Election Day. If you haven’t received your ballot by 30 days before Election Day, contact your local election office.

If after submitting your FPCA, your ballot does not arrive, contact your election official first. Then:

• You can still vote using the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB). Print, sign, and mail your FWAB to your local election office.
• If you mail a FWAB and then receive your regular absentee ballot, you should complete and mail your absentee ballot also. Election officials will ensure that only one ballot is counted.

The Federal Voting Assistance Program – FVAP.gov offers additional information on military and overseas voting in Missouri and Kansas.

–Dwight Widaman