FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, November 02, 2012
Contact: Stacie Temple, (573) 526-0949

Carnahan offers tips for Missouri voters to prepare for Election Day

Jefferson City, MO - Secretary of State Robin Carnahan today reminded Missourians to get ready to vote in the November 6 general election. Missouri voters can prepare before they go to the polls by verifying their registration, knowing what will be on their ballot, finding their polling place location and understanding the identification requirements.

Voters can find the answers to many of their questions online at www.GoVoteMissouri.com or by contacting their local election authority. Carnahan offers the following tips for voters to help ensure a positive experience at the polls on Election Day.

 

ELECTION “Dos”:

DO verify your registration status. If you are already registered to vote, but have moved within the same county, you may still be able to update your address and vote at your new polling place on Election Day. If you have moved to a different county, be sure to verify you are registered to vote in your new county. You can check your registration status online at www.GoVoteMissouri.com by clicking on “Voter Information Lookup.”

DO confirm your polling place location. You may have voted at the same location for years, but check to be sure it hasn’t changed this time. To find both the address of your polling place and view it on a map, go to www.GoVoteMissouri.com and click on “Find a Polling Place”.

DO know what to take with you on Election Day. Missouri’s voter identification requirements have not changed from previous elections. You need to take ONE of several options for acceptable ID including: a voter ID card, a driver’s license, a Missouri student ID, utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, government check or other government document with your name and address on it. For a complete list of acceptable voter identification and examples, visit www.GoVoteMissouri.com and click on “Missouri Voter ID Education Kit.”

DO learn what is on your ballot before Election Day. Newspapers around the state publish sample ballots prior to the election; you may also find your sample ballot online through the “Voter Information Lookup” tool on www.GoVoteMissouri.com.

DO plan time to vote on Election Day. Lines are generally shorter earlier in the day, and people can move through more quickly. If you cannot vote during business hours, please plan enough time to make sure you are in line by 7 p.m. on November 6. Polls in Missouri are open from 6 a.m. until 7 p.m.; anyone in line by 7 p.m. will be allowed to vote.

DO remember that Missouri no longer has a straight ticket voting option. You must fill out a choice on each race for it to be counted.

DO let us know immediately if you encounter any problems at the polls. If you have problems at the polls, if anyone attempts to intimidate you or tries to interfere with the voting process, please call your local election authority or the Missouri Election Division hotline at 800-NOW-VOTE (800-669-8683).

 

ELECTION “DON’Ts”:

DON’T cast a provisional ballot at the incorrect polling place. If a poll worker tells you that you are at the wrong polling place, please take the time to go to the correct location to make sure your voice is heard. Provisional ballots cast at an incorrect polling place will not be counted.

DON’T fall for scams or misinformation on Election Day. If you get a phone call or a letter advising you your polling place has changed, the election has been postponed or you are ineligible to vote for some reason, contact your local election authority to report it and make sure you have the right information. Additionally, if a caller says you can cast your vote by telephone, it is simply not true. A handful of states have reported a few incidents already, so be sure you verify information before you act on it.

DON’T be discouraged by long lines or long ballots. You can be prepared by previewing your ballot online through the “Voter Information Lookup” tool at www.GoVoteMissouri.com. As long as you are in line by 7 p.m. on November 6, you will be able to cast your ballot.

DON’T forget to thank your poll workers. Without the more than 20,000 Missourians who have volunteered to be poll workers across our state, this election would not be possible. They work long days on the front lines of our elections and deserve our appreciation.

DON’T forget to check the election night results. You can find complete information at www.GoVoteMissouri.com by clicking on “Election Night Results .”

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Visit www.sos.mo.gov to learn more about the Office of the Missouri Secretary of State.

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