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Got a voting plan? Deadline to request mail-in, absentee ballots is Oct. 21

Get a voting plan. That’s everyone’s call to action ahead of the Nov. 3 election.

And even though Covid-19 and an anticipated heavy turnout are complicating things, many people and resources are committed to help voters keep it simple — and get it done.

Important note: For anyone considering voting absentee or by mail-in ballot, the deadline for requesting a ballot in Missouri is Oct. 21.

So what do you do?

First off, any registered voter can still cast their ballot in person at their polling site Nov. 3 with the help of election officials who will be taking precautions against Covid-19 to help keep everyone safe.

And a registered voter can also go in-person to their local election board offices up until Nov. 2 and ask to cast an absentee ballot on site.

Make your voting plan today

But many people because of the pandemic and other reasons want to vote by mail, or vote absentee by mail. Many have already cast their ballots for Nov. 3.

Note that  anyone who who is at-risk for contracting or spreading COVID-19 may cast an absentee ballot, including everyone 65 or older.

And anyone can request a mail-in ballot, which Missouri requires to be signed by a public notary.

Any questions? Of course there are. And here’s help:

The League of Women Voters of Kansas City/Jackson-Clay-Platte Counties has compiled resources including where and how to get a ballot, how to vote in-person, absentee or mail-in, where to find free notaries, and more at lwvkc.org.

The league has also created an election guide that lists information on all the candidates in local races and ballot issues. You can get to the guide and other help at Vote411.org.

The voter guide includes important tips like this one: If you received a mail-in or absentee ballot but decide instead to vote in-person, make sure to take that ballot with you to the polls.

There are multiple ways to vote safely and securely, voting advocates say. Just make yourself a plan.