Who may request an absentee ballot?
In Missouri, only those voters who meet the following criteria may vote by absentee ballot:
1. Absence from Platte County on election day
2. Incapacity or confinement due to illness or physical disability / or their primary caregiver
3. Religious belief or practice
4. Employment as an election judge, or employee of the Election Board
5. Incarceration, provided that all qualifications for voting are retained

NOTE: As of 8/28/02; RSMo 115.159(3) states that anyone who registered to vote using a postcard application (i.e.: License Bureau or other agency) must vote in person the first time OR must provide a copy of an accepted form of identification when requesting an absentee ballot by mail or fax. This provision DOES NOT apply to absentee voters that are exempt from having their signatures notarized.

How to request an Absentee Ballot?
1. In Person
A voter may appear in person at the office of the Election Board (2600 NW Prairie View Rd, Platte City). The voter must produce a form of identification. The absentee ballot must be voted in the office.

2. By Mail
A voter may request an absentee ballot, in writing. Mail the request to: Platte County Board of Elections, PO Box 560, Platte City, MO 64079. The request must include the following information: reason for voting absentee (see reasons listed above), voter's signature, mailing address for the absentee ballot. NOTE: IN PRIMARY ELECTIONS, POLITICAL PARTY PREFERENCE MUST BE STATED OR A NON-PARTISAN BALLOT WILL BE MAILED.

3. In Person by his or her guardian or a relative within the second degree by consanguinity or affinity.
Ballot will mailed to voter.

4. By Fax
A voter may fax a written request for an absentee ballot to 816/858-3387. The request must include the following information: reason for voting absentee (see reasons listed above), voter's signature, mailing address for the absentee ballot. NOTE: IN PRIMARY ELECTIONS, POLITICAL PARTY PREFERENCE MUST BE STATED OR A NON-PARTISAN BALLOT WILL BE MAILED.

NOTE: An application for an absentee ballot may be downloaded from the Platte County website, completed and then mailed or faxed to our office subject to the deadline dates below. Website address is www.co.platte.mo.us/elections

When to request an Absentee Ballot?
1. In person
An absentee ballot may be cast in person by the voter from the sixth Tuesday prior to the election up to 5:00 p.m. the day prior to the election.

2. By mail or fax
An absentee ballot request received by mail or fax, must be in our office prior to 5:00 p.m. on the Wednesday prior to the election date. Mailed ballots must be received by 7 p.m. on election day in order to be counted. Absentee ballots may be delivered to the Board of Elections Office by the voter or by relatives within the second degree of consanguinity or affinity.

Office Hours/Directions to Election Office
Hours: Monday through Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Additional office hours will be available for absentee voting.

Directions: Exit 18 - Platte City/Hwy 92. West to traffic light at Prairie View and Running Horse Rds. (McDonalds/Conoco). Turn south onto Running Horse Rd. Go one block (just past Conoco) and turn left (east) onto Prairie View Rd. (in front of Platte Valley Bank). Follow Prairie View Rd. past the two hotels. The office is located at 2600 NW Prairie View Rd.