Editor’s note: Quotes and photos from Poplar Bluff polling places were added to this Missouri Independent article.
Voting got off to an uneven start in Poplar Bluff on Tuesday morning. Around 9 a.m., both Black River Coliseum and First United Methodist Church reported fewer than 40 voters, but Temple Baptist Church counted 110.
“It’s the primary, so it’s expected to be slow,” said poll worker Ida Malson at FUMC. “Things will heat up in November.”
DaRonda Robinson voiced a similar sentiment at the Coliseum. She also suspected renovations in lobby might be confusing voters, despite signage directing everyone to the pool entrance.
“I think that has stopped a lot of people, especially the older people,” she said. Beyond her registration table, only one or two voting booths were occupied.
On the north side of town, voters steadily flowed into TBC.
“It’s always a good turnout here,” said Jo Nell Siefert, a four-year veteran of election work. Neither she nor her friend Susan Wilson knew why, but they were glad to see a crowd. It was Wilson’s first time manning a polling station.
“I love it. I’m a retired American history teacher so I’m excited to be part of this and I think it’s so important to vote,” she said. “People are so nice, and not getting angry about anything, and proud to be an American. We’re all ding what we have a right to do,” she continued.
The election
Months of campaigning and TV ad wars will come to a close Tuesday, as Missouri voters head to the polls to pick their party’s nominee for Congress, the state legislature and nearly every statewide office.
The Independent tried to answer some of the questions you may have about voting in Missouri’s primary.
What time do polls open?
Polls across the state open at 6 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. Voters in line by 7 p.m. are entitled to cast a ballot.
Where do I vote?
Before you head out the door, check your voter registration and polling location at GoVoteMissouri.com.
Some local election officials said the state’s website has the most up-to-date information on the new polling sites. Others recommended going directly to the county’s website or calling local officials instead. The GoVoteMissouri.com website will also provide the information you need to contact your local election authority.
How do I find out what’s on the ballot?
Local election authorities provide sample ballots, which voters can study, fill out and bring with them on Election Day to use as a guide. They are typically posted on your county’s website. Researching your ballot ahead of time will help cut down on the time you spend at the polls, and local election officials are encouraging voters to do this.
What are acceptable forms of ID to vote?
Registered Missouri voters will need a photo ID issued by Missouri or the federal government in order to vote.
If you do not have any of these forms of identification, but are a registered voter, you may cast a provisional ballot. Your ballot will count if you return to your polling place on Election Day with a photo ID, or the signature on your provisional ballot envelope is determined by your local election authority to match the signature on your voter registration record.
If you cast a provisional ballot, you will receive a stub from your provisional ballot envelope with instructions on how to verify that your provisional ballot is counted.
Accepted forms of photo ID for Missouri include:
A non-expired Missouri driver’s license or a state ID
A non-expired military ID, including a veteran ID card
A U.S. passport or another form of photo ID issued by the U.S. government or the state of Missouri that is not expired
Can I wear a T-shirt with my candidate’s name on it?
Missouri election law prohibits wearing political apparel to the polls, advocating for a candidate or issue within 25 feet of a polling place, or taking photos of ballots.
Who can I call if I need help?
Voters may call the Secretary of State hotline at 1-800-669-8683 with any questions or to file a complaint with the the agency’s elections division.
A nonpartisan election protection hotline (866-OUR-VOTE) will also have volunteer lawyers ready to answer questions on election day.
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