November 3 is right around the corner, but between devastating wildfires, continuing Black Lives Matter protests and the COVID-19 pandemic it’s the last thing on many people’s minds.
Never fear, we at Kansas City magazine has put together a guide of helpful resources, key dates and important websites so that you can cast your ballot in this important election.
Step 1: Register to vote
If you will be eighteen years old and a citizen of the United States on election day, don’t forget to register to vote, if you haven’t already. Go to the Vote America website to check your registration status or register to vote. You can also go to the Kansas or Missouri Secretary of State website to check your status.
Step 2: Vote
While you can vote in person this year, absentee and mail-in options are also available in Kansas and Missouri. However, in Missouri you may have to get your ballot notarized—more on that in a minute.
Which do you qualify for?
Absentee ballots
Like mail-in ballots, these ballots are filed by mail. The difference is that you can get a permanent absentee ballot that does not require notarization and will continue coming to you forever.
Missouri: Missouri has some requirements for getting an absentee ballot. Included groups include those who are incapacited or confined due to illness, people who serve as an election worker, are incarcerated but eligible to vote, will be out of town on election day or have a religious practice that prevents them from being able to go to the polls.
Kansas: Any registered voter may vote absentee if they apply here.
Mail In
Missouri: Any registered voter can vote by mail.
Kansas: Any registered voter can vote by mail.
Which have to be notarized?
Missouri: You have to get your mail-in ballot notarized if you are voting absentee for any of the following reasons:
- Your religious beliefs or practice prevent you from voting in person
- You work as an election worker
- You are incarcerated, if still eligible to vote
- You are absence on election day from your election jurisdiction
Kansas: No notary is required on any mail-in or absentee ballots
Important upcoming dates
October 7: General election registration deadline.
October 2: Deadline to request a mail-in/absentee ballot in Missouri. Due to high volume, USPS has recommended that ballots be mailed at least one week before November 3. So we recommend requesting your ballot no later than October 15.
October 27: Deadline to request mail-in/absentee ballot in Kansas. Again, due to high volume, USPS has recommended that ballots be mailed at least one week before November 3. So we recommend requesting your ballot no later than October 15.
November 3: The date of the 2020 General Election. Missouri absentee and mail-in ballots must be postmarked/turned in no later than 7 pm on November 3. In Kansas, all ballots have to be postmarked on or before November 3 will only be accepted by the county election office until the close of business on November 6.
How do I get my ballot notarized?
Curbside Notary is here to help. You can read more about the free program here.
But, long story short, just drop by here:
Monday, September 28, 7-9 am
Spokes Cafe & Cyclery
1200 Washington St, Ste B
Kansas City, MO 64105
Wednesday, September 30, 7-9 am
Heirloom Bakery
401 E. 63rd St
Kansas City, MO 64110
Friday, October 2, 4-6 pm
Monarch Coffee
3550 Broadway Blvd
Kansas City, MO 64111
Saturday, October 3, 8-10 am
Messenger Cafe
1624 Grand Blvd
Kansas City, MO 64108
