Absentee voting for the August primary election begins with new COVID-19 provision

COLUMBIA Mo. (KMIZ)

Absentee voting for the Aug. 4 primary begins on Tuesday with new guidelines.

Missouri Gov. Mike Parson signed Senate Bill 631 into law in June, which expanded absentee ballot options and mail-in ballot options for voters as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.

The bill added an excuse to absentee voting for people who are at risk for contracting or transmitting COVID-19. If you fall under this category, you do not need your ballot notarized.

Those who are at risk of the coronavirus may be age 65 and older, living in a long-term care facility or with certain existing health problems.

Voters may also use the excuse of incapacity or confinement due to illness or injury and do not need their ballots notarized. 

Voters can request an absentee ballot online on the Boone County clerk absentee page.

Voters have the option return their absentee ballots by mail or in person, including curbside drop off at the Boone County clerk's office by calling 573-886-4375 to schedule a drop off time.

The law also creates the option for voters to request a mail-in ballot in person or by mail. Voters who choose a mail-in ballot and do not fall under at risk, incapacity or confinement due to illness or injury must have their ballot notarized and must return their ballot by mail only.

You can find more information about the Boone County Aug. 4 primary on vote.boonemo.org.

All ballots must be received in the Boone County Clerk's Office by 7 p.m. on Election Day.

Whether you plan to vote by absentee or mail-in ballot, the deadline to apply for a mailed ballot for the November general election is 5 p.m. on Oct. 21.

Senate Bill 631 is set to expire at the end of this year.