Absentee/Early Voting

Understanding the various absentee and early voting options is crucial for ensuring that every citizen can participate in the electoral process. Whether you prefer to vote in person or through mail-in ballots, knowing your options allows for a smoother voting experience. Early Voting provides flexibility, enabling individuals to cast their votes ahead of Election Day in person. Absentee Voting is particularly beneficial for those who may be unable to attend polling stations due to travel, health concerns, or other commitments, and can be done in person or by mail. By taking advantage of these options, you help to make your voice heard!

Voting Timeline Milestones: 8 weeks prior - Green letters sent to Permanent Absentee Program. 45 days prior - Ballots available in MOVotes portal. 6 weeks prior - Excuse Absentee Voting begins. 2 weeks prior - No Excuse In-Person Absentee Voting begins. Election Day - Polls open 6am to 7pm, mail ballots due by 7pm.
Voting In-Person

In-person voting before Election Day occurs in two distinct phases: Excused Absentee Voting and No-Excuse Early Voting.

Phase 1: Excused Absentee (6 Weeks to 2 Weeks Out)

From six weeks until two weeks before an election, you can vote at the Election Board office (100 W. Mississippi St., Liberty, MO 64068) if you meet one of the qualifying requirements:

  1. Absence on Election Day from the jurisdiction of the election authority in which you are registered to vote.
  2. Incapacity or confinement due to illness or physical disability on election day, including a person who is primarily responsible for the physical care of an incapacitated or confined individual residing at the same address.
  3. Religious belief or practice.
  4. Employment as an election authority or by an election authority at a location other than your polling place, a first responder, a health care worker, or a member of law enforcement.
  5. Incarceration, provided all qualifications for voting are retained.
  6. Certified participation in the address confidentiality program established under sections 589.660 to 589.681 because of safety concerns.

Phase 2: No-Excuse Early Voting (Final 2 Weeks)

Starting two weeks before any election until the day before Election Day, "No-Excuse" Early Voting begins. The Requirement: No reason is needed—any registered voter can cast their ballot during this window.

2026 Primary & General Election Locations:
(All locations will be open 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday through Saturday)

Clay County Election Board Office 100 W. Mississippi St.
Liberty, MO 64068
A Turning Point 1900 NE Englewood Rd.
Gladstone, MO 64118
Nashua Baptist Church 11408 N. Main Street
Kansas City, MO 64155
Kearney Annunciation Center 705 N. Jefferson St.
Kearney, MO 64060
Accessibility and Assistance
  • Curbside Voting: If you have limited mobility, park and contact the Election Board at 816-415-8683. They will ask a few questions to locate your vehicle, and a bipartisan team will bring your ballot directly to your car.
  • ExpressVote Devices: Every site features an ExpressVote marking device equipped with audio ballots, large fonts, and braille keypads to assist voters with visual or physical impairments.
Voting By Mail

Voting by mail provides a convenient alternative for those unable to make it to a physical polling site. In Missouri, voting by mail always requires a qualifying reason.

  • 1 Verify Eligibility: You must meet one of the 6 qualifying reasons (identical to the Excused Absentee list above, including out-of-jurisdiction travel, illness/disability, religious beliefs, working as a first responder/election worker, incarceration, or confidentiality program participation).
  • 2 Request Your Ballot: Download the 2026 Mail-In Absentee Application Form and return it to the Election Board via mail, fax, or email. Relatives within the 2nd degree may also request an application on your behalf.
    • All applications must feature a physical signature or mark.
    • First-time mail/online registrants who haven't previously voted in person must submit a copy of a valid photo ID (e.g., nonexpired MO driver/non-driver license, military/veteran ID, US Passport, or government photo ID valid through the last general election).
  • 3 Observe Deadlines: The Election Board must receive your written request by 5:00 PM on the second Wednesday prior to the election.
  • 4 Notary Check: Unless you are voting due to illness, permanent disability, or incarceration, your return envelope must be notarized.
  • 5 Submission: Return your ballot by mail or hand-deliver it (personally or via a 2nd-degree relative) to the Election Board office by 7:00 PM on Election Day.
PLEASE NOTE: The USPS strongly recommends mailing your completed ballot at least 7–10 days before the election to guarantee arrival by the 7:00 PM Election Day deadline.
Military and Overseas Voters

We offer specialized options for our service members, their families, and citizens living abroad.

  • MOVotes Portal: Use the secure online Military and Overseas Voting Access Portal to register, request, and track your ballot.
  • Early Access: Materials are available to eligible voters 46 days prior to the election.
  • Extended Deadline: Your ballot must reach the Election Board no later than 12:00 PM on the Friday following Election Day.
  • Combat Zones: Voters currently deployed in hostile fire or imminent danger areas are permitted to return ballots via the secure portal or email.

Important Tips for Overseas/Military Voters:

  • Allow plenty of buffer time to request, receive, and mail your materials.
  • Keep your portal date range active or submit a new FPCA annually and whenever you relocate.
  • If time runs short, you are authorized to use the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB) as an emergency backup.
  • Note: Photo ID and notary mandates do not apply to overseas voters, active-duty military, or immediate dependents residing with them. For deeper details, view the state Military and Overseas Voters Section.