Ahead of the general election scheduled for Tuesday, November 3, public health experts with the One for All Missouri campaign would like to share following guidance for voting safely during the pandemic.
- If you plan to vote in-person at a polling location:
- DO check your polling place at The Missouri Secretary of State’s website. Some locations have changed due to the pandemic.
- DO wear a mask that fully covers your nose and mouth when you are standing in line and when you are inside the polling place.
- DO practice physical distancing by staying at least 6 feet from others. Note that lines may appear long because voters are physically distancing.
- DO wash or disinfect your hands before entering the polling place.
- DO bring your own blue or black ink pen. Note that not all locations allow voters to use their own pens. Follow the instructions of poll workers at your polling place.
- DO bring your own gloves or stylus if you are using a voting machine.
- DO NOT wipe down voting machines yourself, as this could cause malfunctions or damage to the machines.
- If you are unable to vote in-person, you may request an absentee ballot from your local election authority up until the day before the election.
- If you are feeling ill in the days leading up to the election, you should look into absentee voting.
- You can request an absentee ballot in person, or by fax or email.
- A relative within the second degree (spouses, parents and children) can also complete an absentee ballot application in person on your behalf.
- All ballots must be received by the appropriate election authority by 7pm on election day.
- If you requested a mail-in ballot, return your completed ballot as soon as possible.
- Mail-in ballots must be returned via U.S. mail and received by 7pm on election day.
- Postal Service officials recommend that Missourians mail their ballot by Tuesday, October 27.
- Remember that local election authorities have different guidelines. Follow the instructions of poll workers at your polling place.
- Follow all instructions on the ballot to ensure your vote is counted.
- Voting during a pandemic can be a stressful situation for everyone. Please be prepared to be kind and patient with your fellow Missourians who are voting and working the polls.
For more information about how to #stopthespread, visit our website at oneforallmo.com, the CDC’s page on elections, or connect with us on Facebook and Twitter. One for All Missouri campaign representatives are available to discuss in more detail.