What to expect at the polls

When

Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.^[1] If you are in line at 7 p.m., you can still vote.^[1][6] If you get there after the polls close, you cannot vote.^[6]

Where

Check where to vote before Election Day.^[6] The county board can tell you your polling place; checking ahead helps you avoid problems.^[6] Call 314-615-1800.^[2]

To find polling places near you, look up your address on the home page or use the county's Polling Place Lookup.^[2]

Step by step

1. Bring a photo ID. See What ID to bring.^[3]
2. Show your ID to the election judges and sign the poll book.^[3]
3. Take your ballot to a voting booth and mark it alone.^[5][4]
4. Mark each race on its own.^[3] Missouri has no "straight party" option.^[3]
5. Read the instructions posted at the polling place, or ask an election judge to show you how the voting equipment works.^[3]

If you make a mistake

• If you mark a ballot wrong or damage it, give it to an election judge and get a new one.^[5]
• If you mark more choices in a race than allowed, you get a chance to fix your ballot.^[3]

Good to know

• A parent, grandparent or guardian can bring a child under 18 into the voting booth.^[4]
• If you need help in the booth, ask. Two election judges from different parties will give you instructions.^[4] See Voting with a disability, and getting help at the polls.
• If there is a problem with your registration, you may be able to vote a provisional ballot.^[7] See Provisional ballots.