Deadline to register to vote in primary election is today

The voter registration deadline for the Aug. 5 primary election is today.

To register to vote in Cape Girardeau County, residents must submit a voter registration application to the county clerk's office.

Voters may register at:

* County clerk's office in Cape Girardeau or Jackson

* A driver's licensing office while applying for or renewing a license

* A designated state agency while obtaining services

* Cape Girardeau County Public Health Center

* Cape Girardeau Library and the Riverside Regional Library, according to the official secretary of state voting website.

Online registration can be found at sos.mo.gov/votemissouri/request.php.

When registering in person, applicants are required to present a form of personal identification. The only accepted forms include IDs issued by the federal government, state of Missouri, or a local election authority; IDs issued by a Missouri institution of higher education (public or private); a copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, government check or other government document that contains the name and address of the voter; or a driver's license or state identification card issued by another state. A voter also may request a voter registration application from the county clerk's office or via the secretary of state's website.

Voters are supposed to receive verification they have registered within seven days. If it is not received in that time, prospective voters are asked to contact the county clerk's office.

If active members of the armed forces and their dependents miss the registration deadline, state and federal laws allow them to vote for federal offices only.

Members of the military can fill out a ballot online at momilitaryvote.com or complete a federal write-in absentee ballot and mail it to their local election authority. The website provides active duty service members with an easier alternative to register to vote and request absentee ballots.

Absentee ballots are available 46 days before an election, according to the secretary of state's website.

After the Aug. 5 election, general elections are scheduled for Nov. 14, with the last day to register Oct. 8.

smaue@semissourian.com

388-3644

pertinent addresses:

#1 Barton Sq., Suite 301, Jackson