Voter Registration

1. What are the qualifications to be a voter in Platte County?
2. Why do I have to register to vote?
3. Does it cost anything to register to vote?
4. Will I ever have to renew my registration?
5. I am planning to go away to college, should I wait to register there?
6. If I register to vote, will my name be provided to company mailing lists?
7. Where can I register to vote?
8. If I registered by mail, how do I know my registration has been received and processed?
9. What is the deadline to register to vote?
10. If a mail-in voter registration application is postmarked on the deadline for registration, are they eligible to vote in the upcoming election?
11. Does my voter registration transfer if I move to another county within Missouri?
12. How do I change my address if I move within Platte County?
13. What should I do about my registration if I change my name?
14. How do I find out if I am registered to vote?
15. I was convicted of a felony and completed my probation and parole.  Can I vote?

Voting in Platte County

16. When are elections held in Missouri?
17. How do I know when an election is coming up?
18. What are the voting hours?
19. What should I expect when I vote for the first time in Platte County?
20. Acceptable forms of personal identification
21. What voting system is used in Platte County?
22. I need help when I vote. What are my options?
23. How do I find out election results?

Absentee Voting

24. I will be out of town on Election Day. How will I vote?
25. If a person registered to vote by mail, can they vote the first time by absentee ballot?
26. Who must have their absentee ballot notarized?
27. Who can return an absentee ballot?
28. Can the election authority deliver a ballot to someone that is hospitalized the day of the election?
29. When are absentee ballots counted?

Write-in Candidates

30. When is the deadline to file as a write-in candidate?
31. Are write-in votes counted for every name that is written in?

Provisional Ballots

32. Who gets a provisional ballot?
33. What is on a provisional ballot?

Election Volunteers

      34.How can I get involved?

Platte County Board of Elections Contact Information

Voter Registration:
1.What are the qualifications to be a voter in Platte County?
In order to register to vote in Platte County, an individual must be:
            a.  A citizen of the United States
b.  A resident of Platte County, Missouri (must have resided at address at least 24 hours before registering to vote)
            c.  17 years and 6 months of age (must be 18 by election day) Top

2.Why do I have to register to vote?
Most states require voters to register to vote a certain number of days prior to an election. Voter registration is a means of determining the candidates and issues each voter is eligible to vote on. It also protects the integrity of the ballot box by preventing people from voting in multiple locations. In Missouri, the voter registration deadline is the fourth Wednesday preceding an election. Top

3.Does it cost anything to register to vote?
No, registering to vote is free and easy, either in person at various locations or through a mail-in registration. Top

4.Will I ever have to renew my registration?
You will remain registered in your jurisdiction until you move to a new residency. Every two years you will receive a new Voter Notification card from the Platte County Board of Elections as part of a canvass verifying that you still reside at the address where you are registered. Top

5.I am planning to go away to college, should I wait to register there?
Can I remain registered in my hometown if I go away to school?
Missouri law allows college students to keep their voter registration in their hometown and vote absentee from college.  This choice is up to the student. They can re-register in the jurisdiction where they are attending school, or they can retain their registration in their hometown. Top

6.If I register to vote, will my name be provided to company mailing lists?
Voter registration lists may only be used by the election authority or candidates for election related mailings.  These lists cannot be used for commercial purposes. Top

7.Where can I register to vote?
In order to register to vote, county residents must submit a completed voter registration application to the Platte County Board of Elections.  This can be done in person or by mail.

Mail-in voter registration application postcards can be obtained from Platte County Board of Elections, 2600 NW Prairie View RD, Platte City, (816)858-4400.  Voter registration applications may also be downloaded from the Secretary of State’s website @ www.sos.mo.gov/elections/register2vote, then completed and mailed to Platte County Board of Elections, PO Box 560, Platte City, MO 64079

A voter may register in person at one of the following locations:
State agencies and the Dept. of Motor Vehicles provide opportunities to register to vote and many groups and organizations hold regular voting drives throughout the year.   One may also register to vote in person at the Board of Elections office in Platte City, all Mid-Continent Public Library locations in Platte County, school administration offices and several city government offices in the county.  See the Voter Registration tab on this website for a complete list of locations with addresses and contact information.

When registering to vote in person, applicants are required to present a valid Missouri driver’s license or another form of personal identification. Top

8.If I registered by mail, how do I know my registration has been received and processed?
If you have not received a Voter Notification card within seven to ten days, you should contact Platte Co. Board of Elections at (816)858-4400 to verify that your mail-in registration was received and processed.  Note that voter registration applications received after the registration deadline will not be processed until after the election.  Top

9.What is the deadline to register to vote? 
Qualified voters must be registered by the 4th Wednesday before an election to be eligible to vote. Top

10.If a mail-in voter registration application is postmarked on the deadline for voter registration, are they eligible to vote in the upcoming election? 
Yes, if such application is accepted and not rejected and the Voter Notification card is not returned as undeliverable. Top

11. Does my voter registration transfer if I move to another county within Missouri? 
No. You must re-register to vote in your new county. Platte County participates in the Missouri Central Voter Registration (MCVR) system, a database of all voter registrations in the state.  When one registers to vote in a new county, the former registration file is cancelled. Top

12.How do I change my address if I move within Platte County?
By Mail/Fax: You may complete the back of your current Voter Notification card with your new address, phone and signature and mail it to Platte County Board of Elections @ PO Box 560, Platte City, MO 64079.  You may also mail a written change of address notice to our office.  Be sure to include your signature.  Change of address information may also be sent by FAX to 816/858-3387, again with a signature. You will receive a new Voter Notification card by mail.
At the Board of Elections or any Voter Registration Site: You may change your address in person at the Election Office @ 2600 NW Prairie View Rd, Platte City; at any Mid-Continent Public Library in the county; or at Drivers License offices.  
On Election Day: You are also permitted by law to change your address on election day.  You may appear at Platte County Board of Elections office or at your current polling site.  Advise the election judges that you have changed your address.  They will contact the Board of Elections to determine the correct polling site for your new residential address.  At the new poll site, you will be asked to complete and sign a Transfer of Registration form before being allowed to cast your ballot. Top

13.What should I do about my registration if I change my name?
In order to change your name on the voter registration lists, contact the Board of Elections before the election or an election judge at your polling place on election day and notify them of the change. The election office will enter the change on the record and issue a new Voter Notification card.  At the polls, the voter will complete a Transfer of Registration form before being allowed to cast a ballot.  The information on the completed form will be used to update the registration record and a new Voter Notification card will be mailed after the election.  Top

14.How do I find out if I am registered to vote?
Contact the Platte County Board of Elections (816) 858-4400 to confirm your registration status. Top

15. I was convicted of a felony and have completed my probation and parole.  Can I vote?
Yes. Upon completion of your sentencing and probation and parole, you can register to vote and be eligible to vote in elections. However, individuals who have been convicted of an election offense, whether a felony or misdemeanor, are not allowed to vote. Top

Voting in Platte County:
16.When are elections held in Missouri?
Elections may be held on the first Tuesday, after the first Monday in February, March, April, June, August and November. A public entity must certify their election with the Board of Elections office ten weeks prior to the election date.  Cities, towns and villages, schools and other special districts hold elections each year in April.  Missouri conducts primary and general elections in even numbered years in August and November. Top

17.How do I know when an election is coming up?
The best resource for election information is your local newspaper. A legal notice of election is published in local newspapers for the two weeks prior to the election. Voters may also request a sample ballot by calling (816)858-4400. The sample ballot is an exact copy of the ballot you will receive at your polling site.  A listing of the ballot questions and candidates are also posted on this website. Top

18.What are the voting hours? 
In Missouri, polling sites open at 6:00 a.m. and close at 7:00 p.m. If in line to vote by 7:00 p.m., a voter will be permitted to cast a ballot after the polls close. Top

19.What should I expect when I vote for the first time in Platte County? 
An election judge will ask for a form of identification (see listing below).  After locating your name in the poll register, you will be asked to verify your current residential address. If all the information is correct, sign the poll register where indicated.  You will then be given the choice of voting on a paper ballot using the Optical Scan voting system or casting your ballot on the handicapped-accessible DRE touch screen machine.  Both systems are utilized at all state and federal elections in Platte County.Top

20.Acceptable Forms of Personal Identification at the Polls:

• Drivers or Non-Drivers License from Missouri or another state
• State ID Card from Missouri or another state
• Military ID card (active or retired)
• Passport
• Missouri College, University, Technical School ID
• Social Security card, Birth Certificate
• Medicare or Medicaid card
• Other ID issued by federal or state government or agency

The following forms of voter identification must show current Platte County residential address:

• Voter ID card (must be signed)
• Voter Notification card
• Current utility bill w/current address
• Current bank statement w/current address
• Government check w/current address
• Paycheck w/current address Top

21.What voting system is used in Platte County?
Platte County primarily uses the optical scan vote recording system.  In addition, we offer touch screen voting equipment especially for those voters with visual impairments.  However, both systems are available to all voters.

After signing the poll book at the polls, you will be asked if you wish to vote a paper ballot (optical scan) or cast a ballot on the touch screen unit. If you choose to vote a paper ballot, you will be given the appropriate ballot with a marking pen and instructed to proceed to the next available voting booth. The paper ballot requires the voter to completely fill in the oval next to the name of the candidate or question response to cast a vote.  The completed ballot is then inserted into the optical scan reader and dropped into the attached ballot box. 

If you desire to cast your ballot on the touch screen unit, you will be given a ballot receipt to present to the touch screen technician.  The touch screen tech will encode your ballot style onto a plastic voter access card, which is then inserted into the touch screen voting machine.  Your ballot will then appear on the screen, along with instructions on how to make your selections.  During the voting process, you will be given the opportunity to review your ballot before casting your vote. If you wish to change a vote or reject your ballot and begin again, instructions are provided on the screen, or you may ask the tech for assistance.  A paper copy of your ballot will be printed for your review, as well as a summary on the screen. When satisfied with your choices, you will then cast the ballot.  The paper copy rolls up into a sealed canister and is retained in the event of a court mandated hand recount. Top

22.I need help when I vote. What are my options?
You may bring anyone you choose to assist you with voting if you cannot read or write, are blind or have some other physical disability and cannot vote your ballot. You will be required to sign a Voter Assistance Affidavit. Voters requiring assistance that do not bring a person to assist them are entitled to receive such help from election judges.  You must request such assistance, and upon your request, two election judges from different political parties will assist you. This is done to ensure the validity and authenticity of the vote.  Top

Additionally, Platte County provides curbside voting at the polling place and at the Board of Elections office in Platte City.  Two judges will come to the car, when a voter is unable to come inside the polling place.  After completing required paperwork, you will vote your paper ballot in your car and the judge team will them place your ballot in the ballot box inside the polling place. 

Another voting option for persons with disabilities is using the touch screen voting equipment.  The system provides the ballot in audio form for persons with visual impairments.

23.How do I find out election results?
Platte County posts election results on this website after all polling sites have reported into the Board of Elections on election night.  You may also view state and federal election results at the Secretary of State’s website @ www.sos.mo.gov.   Area media, including newspapers, TV and radio also report election results. Top

Absentee Voting:
24.I will be out of town on Election Day.  How will I vote?
If you are going to be unable to vote on election day due to 1) absence from the jurisdiction on election day; 2) incapacity or confinement due to illness or physical disability, including primary caregivers for persons who are confined due to illness or physical disability; 3) religious belief or practice; 4) employment as an election authority; and 5) incarceration, provided voting rights are retained, then you are eligible to vote by absentee ballot.

The absentee voting period begins not later than the sixth Tuesday before the date of the election.  All requests for an absentee ballot should be submitted by the day before the election if voting in person, or by 5 p.m. the Wednesday immediately before the election if requesting a ballot by mail. All absentee ballots must be received by the close of polls (7 p.m.) on election day in order to be counted.

You can apply for an absentee ballot in person, by mail, by fax, or a guardian or close relative (parents, siblings, children, grandchildren, grandparents, as well as these relationships through marriage) may request in person an absentee ballot for you. Each application should be made to the Platte County Board of Elections.

The voter can request an absentee ballot at the Platte County Board of Elections office, by mail to PO Box 560, Platte City, MO 64079, or by fax @ 816/858-3387.
An absentee ballot application form may be printed from this website (see link on home page), completed and faxed or mailed. 

The application must to be in writing and needs to include the following information: name; voter registration address; reason for voting absentee; and address to which the ballot is to be mailed.  If requesting a ballot for a primary election, one must indicate which political party’s ballot is desired.

Eligible voters may also vote absentee in person at the Board of Elections office at 2600 NW Prairie View RD, Platte City, beginning six weeks before every election through 5 p.m. the day before the election.  The Election Board office hours are Monday thru Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  The office is also open for absentee voting the Saturday immediately preceding each election, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.(noon).   Top

25. If a person registers to vote by mail can they vote the first time by absentee ballot? 
Yes, however, RSMo 115,159 requires that the person must provide a copy of personal identification (see list of acceptable personal ID above). Top

26.Who must have their absentee ballot notarized? 
All absentee ballots must be notarized with the exception of the following: Missouri residents outside the U.S., including military on active duty and their immediate family members; permanently disabled voters and those voting absentee due to illness or physical disability (RSMo 115.283.6 and 115.283.7); and a caregiver as defined in RSMo 115.277.1(2). Top

27.Who can return an absentee ballot? 
The voter may return the ballot to the election authority by mail or in person; or the ballot may be returned by a relative of the voter who is within the second degree of consanguinity or affinity (RSMo 115.291.2). Top

28.Can the election authority deliver a ballot to someone that is hospitalized the day of the election? 
Yes, if any voter from the jurisdiction has become hospitalized in the county in which the jurisdiction is located after 5:00 p.m. on the Wednesday before an election; if any voter from the jurisdiction has become confined due to illness or injury after 5:00 p.m. on the Wednesday before an election; or if any voter from the jurisdiction is confined in an adult boarding facility, intermediate care facility, residential care facility, or skilled nursing facility in the jurisdiction, the election authority shall appoint a team to deliver, witness the signing of and return the voter’s application and deliver, witness the voting of and return the voter’s absentee ballot to the Board of Elections.  (RSMo 115.287.2) Top

29.When are absentee ballots counted?
According to state statutes, all absentee ballots must be returned to the Election Board by 7 p.m. on election day in order to be counted.  A bi-partisan absentee counting team is appointed by the Election Board to verify and count ballots cast by absentee and those votes are tallied along with all results from the polling sites on election night. Top   

Write-in Candidate:
30.When is the deadline to file as a write-in candidate? 
Write-in candidates must complete a declaration of intent form in the Platte County Board of Elections office prior to 5:00 p.m. on the second Friday before election day RSMo 115.453(4). Top

31.Are write-in votes counted for every name that is written in? 
When there is one position to be filled and a candidate’s name is on the ballot for that office, write-in votes are counted only for the candidates that have filed a declaration of intent to be a write-in candidate with the Platte County Board of Elections.  If no candidate is on the ballot for an office, it is not required to file a declaration of intent and votes are counted for every eligible name properly written in. Top

Provisional Ballots:
32.Who gets a provisional ballot? 
At elections where state candidates/issues or federal candidates are nominated or elected, some voters may be eligible for a provisional ballot. If a voter’s name cannot be found on the precinct register and their eligibility cannot be determined by the election authority or if the judges cannot reach the election authority, they may be given a provisional ballot (RSMo 115.430).  A voter’s eligibility to cast the ballot will be researched following the election to determine whether the ballot will be counted.  Top

33.What is on a provisional ballot? 
The provisional ballot contains the same candidates and issues that would be found on a regular ballot. Top

Election Volunteers:
34.How can I get involved?
You may volunteer to serve as an election judge or touch screen technician. Contact the Board of Elections at (816)858-4400 for more information, or download and complete the poll worker application from this web page.  We will ask your political party affiliation as we are required to have equal numbers of both major parties represented at the polling sites. New election judge training is conducted one or two times per year. Attendance at this training event is required in order to be placed on the roster of available poll workers.

Poll workers are paid $25 for attending training and $100 for working at the polls on election day.  Supervisory judges are currently paid $125 per election. Top

Platte County Board of Elections Contact Information

Address: 2600 NW Prairie View RD, Platte City MO 64079
Mailing Address: PO Box 560, Platte City MO 64079
Phone: (816)858-4400
FAX: (816)858-3387
Web Address: www.co.platte.mo.us/elections
E-mail: platte@sos.mo.gov

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