Webster County voters who won't be able to make it to the polls on Election Day can now begin casting absentee ballots for the Nov. 3 General Election.
Webster County Clerk Stan Whitehurst said regular absentee voting begins Tuesday, Sept. 22, six weeks before Election Day. Military and overseas voters were able to begin the process a few days earlier.
During the first four weeks of absentee voting, Missouri voters must have a qualifying reason to cast an absentee ballot. Those reasons include being out of the jurisdiction on Election Day, illness or disability, certain employment situations, religious reasons and other circumstances allowed under state law.
Voters who qualify can cast an absentee ballot in person at the Webster County Clerk's Office in Marshfield. Ballots may also be requested by mail.
The rules change during the final two weeks before the election.
Beginning Oct. 20, registered voters can cast a no-excuse absentee ballot in person. That means voters do not need to provide a reason for voting before Election Day.
The Webster County Clerk's Office is located inside the Webster County Courthouse at 101 S. Crittenden Street in Marshfield. Regular office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
The office will also be open from 8 a.m. until noon Saturday, Oct. 31, to give voters another opportunity to cast their ballots before Election Day.
Whitehurst is encouraging voters who need an absentee ballot mailed to them not to wait until the last minute.
Missouri sets an earlier deadline for requesting an absentee ballot by mail. Completed absentee ballots must also make it back to the local election authority by the close of polls on Election Day to be counted.
Voters casting an absentee ballot in person are required to show an acceptable form of photo identification.
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3. Missouri polls will be open from 6 a.m. until 7 p.m.
For questions about absentee voting or to request a ballot, voters can contact the Webster County Clerk's Office at 417-859-VOTE (8683) or elections@webstercountymo.gov.
