Election Information

Need to see what will be on the ballot for the up coming election? Click here for a Sample Ballot!

How do I vote if I am unable to get to the polls on election day??

Absentee Voting

Absentee Voting begins six weeks prior to the election. Voters must provide a reason for voting absentee; except during the two weeks prior to the election, you may vote a no-excuse absentee ballot in person at the Bates County Clerk’s Office.

When voting an absentee ballot in person, you must show an acceptable form of photo ID. In person absentee voters are not eligible for a provisional ballot.

Voters can request absentee ballots from the Bates County Clerk’s Office in person, by mail, by fax or by e-mail. Relatives within the second degree (spouse, parents and children) may complete an absentee ballot application, in person, on behalf of the voter who wishes to vote absentee.

Filled out applications can be mailed/faxed/emailed to the contact information above. Absentee Applications must be in the Clerks office by 5:00 p.m. on the second Wednesday prior to the Election.

Need an Absentee Application? — Sorry the deadline has passed for an absentee application by mail. You can still vote absentee in the County Clerk’s Office through April 3, 2023.

How do I register to vote in Bates County???

You can register in person at the Bates County Clerk’s Office located in the Bates County Administration Building. You will need a form of acceptable ID. If the ID does not have a current address, you will need to bring paperwork that shows your Bates County address. To be eligible to vote, your registration form must be POSTMARKED by the 4th Wednesday before the election.

Or you can go online to register thru the Missouri Secretary of State’s Office https://www.sos.mo.gov/elections/goVoteMissouri/register

What are acceptable forms of identification?

A nonexpired Missouri driver or non-driver license;
A nonexpired military ID, including a veteran’s ID card;
A nonexpired United States passport; or
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

Acceptable Forms Voter ID