KANSAS CITY BOARD of ELECTION COMMISSIONERS Serving the Voters of Kansas City within Jackson County

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Frequently Asked Questions

This page looks to answer any questions you may have
from who we are, elections, voting, and more.

 

Voting Questions

 

I've never voted before. How do I Register to Vote?

Citizens may register to vote online, at most public libraries, city, state or federal government facilities, at local voter registration drives, or at the election board office located at 4407 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Click here to download a voter registration form.

 

What forms of identification are accepted to vote?

Per RSMo 115.427: Acceptable forms of ID for voting include:

1.       A non-expired Missouri Driver’s license

2.      A non-expired or non-expiring Missouri Non-driver’s license

3.      A document that satisfies all of the following requirements:

a. The document contains the name of the individual to whom the document was issued, and the name substantially conforms to the most recent signature in the individual’s voter registration record;

b. The document shows a photograph of the individual

c. The document includes an expiration date, and the document is not expired, or, if expired, the document expired after the date fo the most recent general election (November 8, 2022); and

d. The document was issued by the United States or the state of Missouri; or

4.     Any identification containing a photograph of the individual which is issued by the Missouri National Guard, the United States Armed Forces, including the Space Force, or the United States Department of Veteran Affairs to a member or former member of the Missouri National Guard or the United States Armed Forces, including the Space Force, and that is not expired or does not have an expiration date. 

For the complete list of accepted forms of identification to vote please click here.

 

Do I need a Photo ID to vote?

Is there a deadline to Register to Vote?

You can register to vote at any time, but in order to vote in an election, the voter must have been registered (in their proper jurisdiction) by the fourth Wednesday prior to the election. 

 

Can I vote if I’m not registered to vote?

NO. Federal law requires that all voters must be registered. Click here to download a voter registration form.

 

Do I need to register with a party to vote?

Per RSMo 115.628 voters have the option to choose a party affiliation to be recorded with their voter record However, it is not currently required to affiliate with a party. Voters who would like to choose a party affiliation should complete this form and return it to their local election authority. 

 

Where do I go to vote?

Within a few weeks of registering, you will receive written confirmation of your registration, along with the address of your poll site. In addition, approximately two weeks prior to each election you will receive a voter notification card indicating the election type, date, and your poll site location. You can also find your voting location by clicking here and typing in your last name and date of birth.

 

I don't know how to use the voting machines, can I still vote?

Yes. There are election day workers available at every poll to show voters how to work the machines and to assist if needed. For more information on our voting equipment, please click here.

 

How do I know what candidates or issues will be on the ballot?

A complete Sample Ballot is available six weeks prior to every election. Click here to access the latest sample ballot.

 

Absentee Ballot Questions

 

Does Missouri have early voting?

 

Under HB1878, Missouri now has two weeks of no excuse absentee voting. This means voters are able to vote in person with their local election authority for two weeks prior to every election without needing an excuse. You can learn more about no excuse absentee voting here.

 

What if I’m out of town on Election Day?

 

Citizens can vote absentee if they meet several requirements including being absent from your voting jurisdiction on election day. An application for an absentee ballot is available up to 10 weeks prior to an election. For more information, please click here.

 

When will Absentee Ballot Applications be available?

 

Citizens can vote absentee if they meet several requirements including being absent from your voting jurisdiction on election day. An application for an absentee ballot is available up to 10 weeks prior to an election. For more information, please click here.

 

If I am hospitalized before the election, can I still vote?

 

Absentee teams are available to deliver, witness and return the applications and actual ballot for voters who are: hospitalized or confined due to illness or injury after 5 p.m. on the Wednesday before an election.

 

Can I permanently receive Absentee Ballots for every election?

 

A person who is confined at home, or at a nursing or rehabilitative facility may request to be placed on the permanently disabled list. These voters will automatically receive an absentee application for every election in their jurisdiction. Also, they will not be required to have their absentee ballots notarized. Click here to download this form.  

 

As a candidate for office, am I allowed to see who applied for an Absentee Ballot?

On the Friday before the election, after 8 a.m., a list of absentee ballot applicants is available to candidates, candidates' representatives, a representative from a campaign committee or an absentee voter. The cost is ten cents ($.10) per page.

 

Election Questions

 

What is the Electoral College?

The Electoral College elects the president of the United States. "Slates" or lists of electors are voted on by popular vote from each State's body. The state's number of Congressional and Senatorial seats determines the number of electors per state. Missouri has eleven electors. The Caucus process determines delegations to the national political party convention.

For more information about the Electoral College, please visit our link to the Missouri Statutes, visit the National Archives and Records Administration Office of the Federal Register Electoral College website, or contact your State Party.

 

What is a Caucus?

A caucus is a meeting of the members of a political party who discuss issues, take policy positions, and elect party leadership, especially delegates to the state and national conventions. In Missouri, established political parties gather to elect their delegates, as well as determine other relevant policy and representation. To learn more about your caucus, contact your committeeperson for your chosen political party.

 

How is a district or a Jurisdiction drawn?

In each jurisdiction, the election authority establishes precinct boundaries. We consider the U.S. Census when drawing wards and precincts so that each ward's voting population is relatively equal to the next. The State Legislature redistricts Congressional seats. The State draws state jurisdictions. Appropriate committees draw district lines for lower levels of elected officials. The Kansas City City Council redistricts itself. The appropriate election board draws the Kansas City School District's 'sub-districts.'

Who determines Election Laws?

While there is Federal law, most election law is left to the state to determine by state law. In Missouri, the Secretary of State is the 'chief election official." Besides assisting local election authorities in the interpretation and administration of state election laws, the Secretary of State publicizes rules governing elections and electronic voting systems. This office is also required to publish the Missouri election laws for use by county clerks and election commissioners. Additionally, the office produces various election materials including instructions for poll workers, calendars of annual election deadlines, training videos, and a manual for election authorities. The Secretary of State cooperates with officials, schools, civic organizations, and other groups to provide materials to support voter registration, responsibility and education.

 

To learn more about Missouri Election Law, visit the Missouri Revised Statutes site, Chapter 115, which addresses Election Law or the Missouri Secretary of State website.

 

Partisan and Non-Partisan. What is the difference?

A partisan election is one in which party labels appear on the ballot. A non-partisan municipal election does not permit party labels to appear on the ballot.

In a party primary, you must tell your election judge which party's ballot you wish to take into the voting booth. You will receive a ballot formatted so that you may only select candidates from that party. However, you may still vote on any and all issues, and any non-partisan candidates, like municipal judges.

 

Primary Election and General Election. What is the difference?

A primary election is a nominating election in which each political party decides who will represent it in the general election. In the case of a nonpartisan election, the two candidates who receive the most votes then proceed to run in the general election.

 

Why are there so many elections?

Missouri law dictates Election Days. The following laws control Missouri election dates.

• Primary Elections - the first Tuesday after the first Monday in even numbered years;
• General Elections - the first Tuesday after the first Monday in even numbered years;
• Political Subdivisions and Special District Elections - the first Tuesday after the first Monday in April of each year. Kansas City's School Board Elections occur on these Tuesdays in even-numbered years;
• General Municipal Elections - the first Tuesday after the first Monday in February or November, or on another day as determined by city or county charter;
• School District Elections - the first Tuesday after the first Monday in June and in non-primary years on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in August. Municipalities may hold elections in non-primary years on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in August.
• Some types of elections are exempt from these rules
  1. Bond elections necessitated by fire, vandalism or natural disaster
  2. Elections for which ownership of real property is required by law for voting
  3. Special elections to fill vacancies and to decide tie votes or election contests

How can I be more involved politically?

There are many opportunities to work on an election, either through area political clubs or through the Election Board. If you are interested in non-partisan Election Day activity, sign up to be an Election Day Judge or Deputy Commissioner here.

 

How do I apply to work at a poll on Election Day?

We need you! The Election Board needs hundreds of additional employees on election day and encourages you to sign up to work. We have several categories of poll workers that might fit your interests or skills: election judge, voter assistance specialist, deputy commissioner, greeter, pickup person, or phone bank operator. We provide training and competitive pay. If interested, please fill out the Election Worker Application or call 816-842-4820.

 

Who are the Kansas City Board of Election Commissioners?

The Kansas City Board of Election Commissioners is a statutory agency, bi-partisan in nature. The Board contains four Commissioners, appointed by the Missouri Governor and confirmed by the Missouri State Senate. They serve a four-year term or until their replacement is chosen. Two directors of opposite political affiliation act as the management team. The directors and their staff execute lawful and adopted policies of the Board. They also oversee the election administration, personnel, budget, and a myriad of related services to the public and candidates.

The Kansas City Board of Elections conducts elections for all governmental entities lying wholly or partly within the boundaries of Kansas City (within Jackson County). Organizing for elections takes time and resources, and is ongoing. Our day to day activities include:

• Verification of signatures on petitions to ensure lawful placement on the ballot;
• Preparation of ballot layout; establishment of polling places;
• Recruitment and training of election judges and deputy election commissioners;
• Preparation of mailings for registered voters for each election, which notify voters of the election date and their polling site;
• Maintenance, warehousing, and preparation of the voting and tabulating equipment used in elections;
• Administration of the many State and Federal requirements such as the Campaign Finance Disclosure Law, the National Voter Registration Act, Americans with Disabilities Act, and Polling Place Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped;
• Maintenance of active and non-active voter records, which includes new registrants, transfers, deaths, and other details.

 

What area does The Kansas City Board of Election Commissioners serve?

The Kansas City Election Board serves the Kansas City part of Jackson County. The Jackson County Election Board serves Jackson County residents outside of the Kansas City boundaries. The Cass, Clay and Platte County election authorities serve Kansas City residents who live in their respective jurisdictions.

What services are offered by The Election Board?

The Kansas City Election Board provides many resources to voters and other interested parties. You may wish to call ahead and request the materials prior to your visit to the Election Board. More information can be found below.

 

I recently moved out of Missouri to a different state. How do I cancel my Voter Registration for Missouri?

First. be sure to get registered with your new election authority! Election laws are likely to be different state to state so it's important to check on things like ID requirements, voter registration deadlines, rules for absentee and/or mail-in voting, and general election processes. To cancel your voter registration in Missouri, complete this form and return it to your previous election authority. 

 

Computerized Data

Registered voter data is available in fixed ASCII alpha format. Data may be ordered by ward and/or precinct, legislative district, and may include voter history on request. The cost is $.001 per name plus ten dollars ($10.00) per flash drive. There will be a $10.00 Admin Fee applied to every order.

This information can be sorted alphabetically, by zip code, or in street order.

 

Outside Elections

These charges include ballot pages, ballot boxes, election materials, use of precinct ballot counters and miscellaneous supplies.