Be An Informed Voter

Election Day is right around the corner: Tuesday, November 8th!

How are you supposed to know who and what you can vote for? Where can you get the information you need to make your voting choices?

1. This is the first election with Missouri’s new ID law. Acceptable forms of ID are:
   1. A nonexpired Missouri driver or non-driver license;
   2. A nonexpired military ID, including a veteran’s ID card;
   3. A nonexpired United States passport; or
   4. Another photo ID issued by the United States or the state of Missouri which is either not expired or expired after the date of the most recent general election.
      1. *If the driver or non-driver license has expired after the most recent general election, it is an acceptable form of voter ID.
      2. *If you do not possess any of these forms of identification, but are a registered voter, you may cast a provisional ballot.
   5. Learn more here.
2. Find out who or what can you vote for by getting a sample ballot
3. Research candidates and issues. There are many resources available to help with your research:
   1. Candidate websites
   2. Local news outlets. In Columbia we suggest the Columbia Missourian’s Election Coverage
   3. Voting records of the candidates
   4. Judge reviews
   5. Local groups- these might be local organizations, civic groups that organize around a cause, non-profit organizations, or community clubs.
   6. Public libraries. The Daniel Boone Regional Library in Columbia has a great election guide.
4. Research ballot measures. Read the text of the ballot measure before election day to make sure you understand what it says, and what a YES or NO vote means. As you research the proposal, pay attention to the types of information you are reading.
5. Ask questions about your research. When you are conducting research keep in mind where the information is coming from. Who is speaking and what are their sources? What’s the bias in the information you are reading? Who paid for this? Whose perspective is this and whose perspective is missing? Can you fact check this?
6. Make notes and bring them with you to vote. Make sure to double check the rules at your polling place.

Visit the Mizzou Election Hub for resources available to you on campus.

Hearnes Center is a central polling location on November 8th, which means any eligible registered voter can cast their ballot there. Remember that you will need to bring an ID to vote.