Reasons for Voting Absentee

You can vote absentee before Election Day if you expect to have ONE of the following reasons:

• Absence on Election Day from the jurisdiction of the election authority in which such voter is registered to vote (if voting absentee by mail, your signature on ballot return envelope must be NOTARIZED)

• Incapacity or confinement due to illness or physical disability, including a caregiver who is primarily responsible for the physical care of a person who is incapacitated or confined due to illness or disability (NO NOTARY REQUIRED);

• Religious belief or practice (ballot envelope must be NOTARIZED);

• Employment as an election authority, as a member of an election authority, or by an election authority at a location other than such voter's polling place (ballot envelope must be NOTARIZED);

• Incarceration, provided all qualifications for voting are retained (ballot envelope must be NOTARIZED);

• Certified participation in the Safe At Home address confidentiality program established under sections 589.660 to 589.681 because of safety concerns.

Permanent Absentee Status

Voters who are permanently disabled may also apply for permanent absentee by mail status by filling out Permanently Disabled List Application from the St. Louis County Board of Elections.

This status means that voters will automatically get an application for an absentee ballot before every election, and no notary is required on the ballot return envelope.

Voting Absentee In Person

Voting absentee in person starts about six weeks before Election Day at the Board of Elections Office in St. Ann during business hours. Closer to Election Day, satellite offices will be opened around the County. You don't have to apply beforehand - all you have to do is give your reason for voting absentee at the time you vote.

Your Absentee by Mail Ballot: Things to Know

If you choose to vote absentee by mail, make sure you follow all directions carefully, especially on the ballot return envelope. If the return envelope isn't filled out correctly, or the ballot arrives in the mail after 7pm on Election Day, the ballot will be REJECTED and the vote will not be counted.

Absentee ballots cast for a health or disability related reason DO NOT require voters to have the signature on the ballot return envelope notarized, but most other absentee ballots require a notarized signature.

Need to find a notary? The Election Board has notaries on staff, as do all St. Louis County Public Libraries. Notary services for the signature on a ballot return envelope should be free.

Don't cover up or mark out your return address or any bar codes on the return envelope, as that information is needed to help verify your ballot. Don't worry - the ballot inside will still be private!

DEADLINE: Your ballot must be RECEIVED by the election authority by 7pm on Election Day. Late-arriving ballots will not be counted. Completed ballots may be returned to your election authority by mail or in person by the voter or a close relative. If you choose mail, mailing can take up to 7-10 days, so plan ahead!

St. Louis County has a  ballot tracking system so you can follow your ballot! Instructions will be included with your vote by mail ballot.