Absentee/Early Voting Information

Understanding the various absentee and early voting option 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, early voting can only be done 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. Absentee voting can be done in person or by mail. By taking advantage of these options, you help to make your voice heard!

Voting In-Person

In-person voting before Election Day occurs in two distinct phases Excused 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 in Liberty.

• The Requirement: You must select one of the 6 qualifying reasons (such as travel, illness, or work).

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

Starting two weeks before any election until the day before any election, "No-Excuse" Early Voting begins

• The Requirement: No reason is needed—any registered voter can cast their ballot during this window.
  

• 2026 April Election Location: Available ONLY at the Election Board (Liberty) 

• 2026 Primary & General Election Locations:

  • Available at the Election Board (Liberty) and three satellite sites: Kearney Annunciation Center, A Turning Point, and Nashua Baptist Church.

  • All location will be open 8 AM - 5 PM Monday - Saturday

Accessibility and Assistance

• Curbside Voting: If you have limited mobility, park and contact the Election Board (816-415-8683) they will ask a few questions to find your vehicle in the parking lot. A bipartisan team will bring your ballot to your car. 
• ExpressVote Devices: Every site features an ExpressVote marking device 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 polling site. In Missouri, voting by mail always requires a qualifying reason.

1. Verify Your Reason: You must meet one of the qualifying criteria: 

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

2. Request Your Ballot: Download the 2026 Mail-In Absentee Application Form and mail, fax or email the request to the Election Board. Relatives withing the 2nd degree may request an absentee ballot application. 

• All Applications must have a physical signature or mark to be accepted
• Voters requesting an absentee ballot by mail who originally registered to vote online or by mail and have not yet voted in person are required to submit a copy of their personal identification along with their absentee ballot application. Examples of acceptable identification are:
  • A nonexpired Missouri driver or non-driver license;
  • A nonexpired military ID, including a veteran’s ID card;
  • A nonexpired United States passport; or
  • Another photo ID issued by the United States or the state of Missouri which is either not expired or expired after the date of the most recent general election.

3. Deadline: We must receive your request by 5:00 PM on the 2nd Wednesday prior to the election.

4. Notary Check: Unless voting due to illness, disability or incarceration, your return envelope must be notarized.

5. Submission: Return by mail or in person (by you or a relative within the 2nd degree) by 7:00 PM on Election Day.

PLEASE NOTE: The USPS strongly suggests mailing your ballot as soon as possible, or at least 7-10 days for return mail, to ensure it is received at the Election Office by 7 p.m. on Election Day. Ballots returned in person must be returned by the voter themself  or by a relative of the second degree.

Military and Overseas Voters

Specialized option for our service members, their families and citizens living abroad. 

    MOVotes Portal: Use the Military and Overseas Voting Access Portal to register, request, and track your ballot in one secure location.

    Early Access: Ballot materials are available to you 46 days prior to the election.

    Extended Deadline: Your ballot must be received by the Election Board no later than 12:00 PM on the Friday following the election.

    Combat Zones: Voters in hostile fire or imminent danger areas may return ballots via the portal or email.

Voting Tips: 

• Allow plenty of time to request, receive and return your ballot
• If using the MOVotes portal, keep your date range current or send in a new FPCA every year and when you move.
• Follow all instructions to ensure your ballot is counted.
• If you don't have enough time to send your ballot back before a federal election deadline, use the FWAB as a back-up ballot as soon as possible.
  

Identification requirement, as well as the notary requirement for absentee ballots, do not apply to overseas voters, those on active military duty or members of their immediate family living with them.Additional information for military and overseas voters may be found at the section entitled Military and Overseas Voters.

Accessibility and Assistance

We are committed to ensuring every voter can cast a private and independent ballot.

The Permanent Absentee Voter Program

For voters with permanent disabilities, this program simplifies every election.

• The Green Letter: You will receive an application (the "Green Letter") approximately 8 weeks prior to an election in which you are qualified to vote.
• Simple Process: Sign and return the green letter to receive a ballot in the mail - No notary required. 
• Voters will remain in the program unless they ask to be removed, no longer reside in Clay County or become disqualified.