Missouri LGBTQ+ Voting Resources

Oct 15, 2024

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A Resource Hub for the 2024 General Election

The importance of the upcoming November General Election cannot be overstated as this is an election that will not only determine the course of our state, but also an election that will shape the future of our bodies, our families, and our freedoms. It is why voting is the most critical way to make your voice heard, no matter if you’re a first-time voter or someone who votes in every election. We’ve broken down the key steps you need to take to ensure you’re ready for Election Day sourcing information and resources from places such as the KC Media Collective, Advocates for Trans Equality, and our own policy team’s knowledge. We also encourage you to view print-ready resources from our partners at the Missouri Voter Protection Coalition that includes palm cards for eligibility and registration, absentee voting, and Election Day voting.

 

Endorsed Candidates

PROMO, through our 501(c)4, endorses viable candidates running for statewide offices and the state legislature who have a proven track record of supporting equal rights and legal protections for LGBTQ+ Missourians. We also endorse candidates who are committed to advancing these goals when they become elected.

The candidates who have received our endorsements for 2024 include:

Statewide Offices

  • Crystal Quade, Governor
  • Richard Brown, Lieutenant Governor
  • Elad Gross, Attorney General
  • Barbara Phifer, Secretary of State
  • Mark Osmack, Treasurer

Missouri Senate

  • Patty Lewis, Senate District 7
  • Barbara Washington, Senate District 9
  • Robert Sauls, Senate District 11
  • Joe Pereles, Senate District 15
  • Maggie Nurrenbern, Senate District 17
  • Stephen Webber, Senate District 19

Missouri House of Representatives

  • Jamie Johnson, House District 12
  • Ashley Aune, House District 14
  • Gloria Young, House District 16
  • Shirley Mata, House District 17
  • Wick Thomas, House District 19
  • Emily Weber, House District 24
  • Pattie Mansur, House District 25
  • Aaron Crossley, House District 29
  • William “Kemp” Strickler, House District 33
  • Keri Ingle, House District 35
  • Joe Jefferies, House District 48
  • Jamie Howard, House District 60
  • Chris Chapman, House District 69
  • LaDonna Appelbaum, House District 71
  • Doug Clemens, House District 72
  • Marty Joe Murray Jr., House District 78
  • Elizabeth Fuchs, House District 80
  • Nick Kimble, House District 82
  • Jeff Hales, House District 86
  • Connie Steinmetz, House District 87
  • Mark Boyko, House District 90
  • Jo Doll, House District 91
  • Michael Burton, House District 92
  • Bridget Walsh Moore, House District 93
  • Leslie Derrington, House District 96
  • Jaclyn Zimmerman, House District 98
  • Ian Mackey, House District 99
  • Colin Lovett, House District 100
  • Jacqueline Cotton, House District 101
  • Tara Murray, House District 104
  • Susan Shumway, House District 108
  • Leslie Jones, House District 130
  • Jeremy Dean, House District 132
  • Elizabeth Fogle, House District 135
  • Stephanie Hein, House District 136
  • Shawna Ackerson, House District 161

 

 

Additional Resources

 

How to Check Your Voter Registration

It’s critical to ensure your voter registration is current, especially if you’ve recently moved or haven’t voted in a while. Checking your registration status in Missouri is easy. Follow these steps:

  1. Visit the Missouri Secretary of State’s voter registration portal.
  2. Enter your name, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
  3. Review your status, and if necessary, update any information directly through the portal.

Don’t wait until Election Day to realize there’s an issue! By checking ahead, you’ll give yourself time to make corrections if needed.

 

How to Lookup Your Polling Place

Polling places can change, so even if you’ve voted before, it’s important to verify where you’ll need to go on Election Day. Here’s how to find yours:

  1. Visit the Find My Polling Place section on the Missouri Secretary of State’s website and enter your address to find your designated polling location.
  2. You can also contact your local Election Authority by selecting which county you live in and using the contact information listed.
  3. You may have also already received a card in the mail with the various locations you’re allowed to vote at as well.

Most polling places open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day. If you’re in line by 7 p.m., you have the right to vote, so make sure you know exactly where to go!

 

How to Figure Out Your Districts

Knowing your district helps you understand who represents you and which races you’ll be voting in. To find out your districts:

  1. Head to our Find Your Elected Officials tool on our website.
  2. Input your street address and zip code to see your U.S. congressional district and Missouri House and Senate districts alongside who currently holds those positions.

This information will help you research candidates and issues relevant to your specific area, ensuring you’re an informed voter when you head to the polls.

 

When You Can Early Vote in Missouri

Missouri allows early voting, but it’s called in-person absentee voting. You can choose to vote on Election Day or during the in-person absentee voting period. If you meet certain conditions, such as being out of town on Election Day or having a disability, you can apply to vote absentee. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Absentee in-person voting occurs between October 22 and November 4. (Dates and times may vary by location.)
  • Locations for in-person absentee voting may be different than where you normally would vote on Election Day, so check with your local election authority to find where to vote by in-person absentee.
  • You can request a mail-in absentee ballot up to six weeks before the election from your local election authority or use this form to request an absentee ballot.
  • Mail-in absentee ballots must be returned by mail or dropped off in person by the close of polls on Election Day.

It’s important to request your absentee ballot as early as possible if you plan to vote by mail, so you don’t run into delays.

 

How to Vote While Trans

For transgender and nonbinary voters, voting can sometimes feel complicated, especially when it comes to ID requirements. But don’t worry — here’s how to ensure you’re prepared and confident when you head to the polls.

 

What ID Materials Do You Need?

In Missouri, you’ll need to present a valid ID when you vote. Acceptable forms of ID include:

  • Missouri driver’s license or state ID
  • U.S. passport
  • Military ID

If the name or gender marker on your ID doesn’t match your current presentation, that’s okay! Your vote cannot be denied solely because your ID doesn’t perfectly match your appearance. If you have any issues, speak to a poll worker — they are there to help, not judge.

Resources for Transgender and Nonbinary Voters

If you’re concerned about potential challenges at the polls, you can:

  • Reach out to advocacy groups like Advocates for Trans Equality for support or local organizations such as Metro Trans Umbrella Group, Transformations, Springfield Trans and Ally Resource Group, The GLO Center, The Center Project, and Trans Women of Color Collective.
  • Use the TRANSform the Vote resource hub to stay informed about your rights, specifically reviewing the one-sheeter on what to do before and day-of.
  • Should you run into any issues on the day of voting, please contact the National Election Protection Hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE (1-866-687-8683) or reach out to the Missouri Voter Protection Coalition at info@movpc.org.

Remember, your vote is your voice, and your identity does not change your right to participate in democracy.

 

 

Ballot Initiatives You Should Know

There are two ballot measures that provide voters with a chance to impact the future of personal and family rights in Missouri. The first is Amendment 3, which will end Missouri’s cruel abortion ban, and Proposition A, which would raise the minimum wage to $15 and guarantee paid sick leave for workers. PROMO endorsed both of these initiatives and we support these full-heartedly because they stand to aid LGBTQ+ Missourians thrive in the state.

 

 

What is Amendment 3?

Amendment 3, put forth by Missourians for Constitutional Freedom, will end the state’s abortion ban. Here’s a summary of what it does:

  • Protects individual rights from government overreach: Amendment 3 seeks to prevent the Missouri government from infringing on personal rights, specifically focusing on the right to make private medical and health decisions without interference.
  • Safeguards reproductive freedom: A key component of this amendment is its protection of reproductive healthcare rights, including access to abortion, contraception, and other related healthcare services. It ensures that the state cannot restrict access to these services, effectively reinforcing constitutional protections for bodily autonomy.

By voting for Amendment 3, Missouri voters would be affirming their support for the protection of personal healthcare decisions, ensuring that the government cannot limit or restrict these rights without significant justification.

 

 

What is Proposition A?

Proposition A, promoted by the Missourians for Healthy Families & Fair Wages, focuses on establishing paid sick leave for all workers in Missouri and increases the minimum wage to $15 an hour. Here’s what it does:

  • Provides paid leave for workers: Proposition A ensures that all workers in Missouri have access to paid time off to care for themselves or family members in the event of serious illness, childbirth, or adoption. Workers would earn paid sick time off at a rate of one hour for every 30 hours worked, or around seven days a year for a full-time worker at a larger company and five days a year at a smaller company.
  • Benefits all types of families: Whether you’re welcoming a new baby, recovering from surgery, or caring for an ill loved one, Proposition A guarantees that you won’t have to choose between your paycheck and taking care of your family.
  • Ensures fair wages for all workers: A full-time minimum wage worker currently makes less than $25,000 a year. Prop A creates a gradual adjustment to $15 per hour over the next three years giving all families the ability to get their feet underneath them and work towards better opportunities.

Voting for Proposition A means supporting paid sick leave for all Missouri families and ensuring that every worker can take time to care for themselves or their loved ones without financial hardship.

We hope that these resources help prepare you to cast your vote in the November General Election. Be sure to make a plan to vote on Tuesday, November 5 and reach out for help if needed — because every vote counts.