What you need to know before you vote

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) – It's Election Day across the country, and while many have already voted, there are still some who have yet to vote. There are a few things you need to prepare before you go to vote.

Greene County Clerk Shane Schoeller said he expects about 75% of registered voters in Greene County to cast a ballot, and it's a similar story in many counties across the state. It's a big election, with a lot of things on the ballot besides the obvious presidential election. Missouri voters will decide on a range of issues as well as state and local offices, including governor.

Arkansas voters will decide several issues and the race for state treasurer.

Before you go to the polls, check your ballot. You can do this here. This will shorten your time at the ballot box.

“Study your ballot. Take a look at the candidates running at the district, state and federal level here, and then of course the issues. This will help you be much more informed, so that when you vote you already know how you will vote in that vote. If you already know, it will probably take two to three minutes at most before you can cast your vote. To do this, you have to go through the vote and then check that you have voted everything correctly,” said Schoeller.

Also prepare to be patient. More people than usual will vote in this election. Be kind to your poll workers, be patient and give yourself plenty of time in line.

“We expect that there will of course be queues on election day when around 60% or more of voters take part in the daily poll, but yes, be patient. Understand that we have Greene County citizens who literally serve the public. They want to ensure that every individual can choose. When you come in, just recognize them for what they do because this is a great opportunity to make your voice heard and really honor those who have protected us,” Schoeller said.

If you live in Missouri, remember that you will need a valid photo ID to vote.

“Bring your photo ID, your Missouri driver’s license or non-driver’s license, or perhaps a federal passport and military ID. If you have a federal government-issued VA Veterans Affairs ID card, you can use that. If your ID expires on November 9, 2022, the day after the last general election, it will continue to work for you as a voter,” Schoeller said.

Remember to leave your voting equipment at home. You cannot wear it to the polls, including hats, buttons, shirts, brochures and other campaign clothing.

“Voting is not permitted once you enter the outside door of the polling station within 25 feet. So if you're wearing something for a candidate that's on the ballot or for some other issue on the ballot that's not allowed under our state law, we want to make sure that that stays intact. If you have something for a candidate who is not on the ballot, that's fine, but every candidate is on the ballot, no election clothing in the form of t-shirts, hats or anything like that. It is allowed if you come to the polls on election day,” said Schoeller.

In Missouri, polls are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Polls in Arkansas are open from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

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