Voting
REGISTRATION AND VOTING
Citizens vote at a special place in a small area around
where they live. This area is called a precinct. When voters
arrive at a polling place they receive sample ballots. Sample
ballots familiarize voters with the format they will find on the
ballots used at their particular polling place. Each voter is
also given a numbered voting card to sign. The voter's
registration is checked and the signature compared to that in
the registration book. (Some state jurisdictions have adopted
a system of voter identification cards and computer voting
lists.)
When the two signatures match, an election judge (made
up of an equal number of Democrats and Republicans to
ensure there is no cheating) gives the voter a ballot. The voter
takes this ballot into the next available voting booth. Voters
may also take any other information they need into the voting
booth. However, each voter must enter a booth alone, unless
they require special help. An election judge helps any voters
who have questions after they enter a voting booth.
Missouri uses two predominant types of ballots: paper
and punch card. (In a few areas optical scan systems or voting
machines are used.)
Registration
Registration is the first step in becoming a voter.
Registration establishes a voter's qualifications of age,
residence, and citizenship.
Registration procedures were developed in the 1800’s to
counteract growing election fraud and abuse. Missouri
established procedures for voter registration as early as 1866,
but statewide registration did not become mandatory until
1974.
To register, a person must be



U.S. citizen
Missouri resident (cannot be required to live in the
state longer than 50 days prior to election)
18 years old before or on the day of the election
In addition


No literary test may be given when registering to
vote
Race, color or sex cannot be used to prevent
registering or voting
Paper Ballots
Voters complete paper ballots by marking their choices
with a pen or special pencil. Voters fold their completed
ballots and place them in the ballot box, which is under the
supervision of an election judge.
However


A voter must re-register is he or she changes name
or address, or fails to vote in at least one election in
four years
A person is disqualified from voting if convicted of
a felony or of a misdemeanor connected with
election laws.
Punch Card Ballots
Most Missouri voters use a punch card system which
significantly reduces the time needed to compile results. A
sample punch card machine is available at polling places so
voters can practice marking such ballots before entering
voting booths. Voters indicate their choices by punching
through the cards at the desired spots with a small, pointed
stylus attached to a chain. Completed cards are placed in
accompanying envelopes and handed to an election official.
The official checks to be sure that all punches are clean and
go through the card, then hands the card back to the voter.
The voter drops the ballot into the ballot box.
The only information required to register is proof of
identity, such as a driver's license or a Social Security card .
A person may register at the local office of the election
authority or at numerous other locations throughout Missouri.
These sites include city and county halls, public libraries,
schools, and colleges. A person may register by mail if
handicapped, ill, or out of town for a long period of time.
Some people of voting age may not register in Missouri.
Included are those determined by a court to be incapacitated;
those on parole, probation, or in prison; or those convicted of
interfering with someone else's right to vote.
With either a paper ballot or a punch card ballot, voters
have the option to vote a straight party ticket, or individual
candidates and issues.
8