Boone County adds 30 new voters during last day to register to vote in August primary

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Time has run out for people to register to vote in the August primary.

It's a crowded field of candidates running for nominations for things like the US Senate on August 2.

County clerk offices took those registrations until 5 p.m. for residents to vote next month. Boone County added 30 new voters today to their voter roll.

Election officials spoke about some things to consider when voting next month.

A new deadline is fast approaching for voters in Missouri. 

"If you are not registered get registered so you can vote in the November election," said Jay Ashcroft, Missouri Secretary of State.

But before the live television productions and all the debating on who will control the Senate and House in Washington, D.C. there is one important step that takes place on August 2nd.

The primary elections are the next step for many hoping to win an elected office. 

"It's not too early to be finding candidates you like, helping them and researching them, calling your local clerk's office to see what will be on the ballot," said Ashcroft.

The most contested race is the seat that Sen. Roy Blunt (R-MO) has held in the United States Senate since 2011 with 21 Republicans and 11 Democrats alone on the ballot, mix in the United States House of Representatives races and local races, the primary election is quickly becoming more than just a race for votes.

So what do you need to know before heading to the polls, will I need an ID?

"It worries me to talk about it because I am worried people will think it has gone into effect in August when it hasn't.  What people need to know is if you have voted in the past, and you haven't moved just do the same thing you will get to vote," said Ashcroft.

If I live in Boone County how can I check to see where I am registered?

"You can check our website at vote.boonemo.org so you can look yourself up, that will show you where you are currently registered and where your polling location is and even give you a sample ballot," said Brianna Lennon, Boone County Clerk.

In other counties, the secretary of state's office recommends that you check with your local election officials or you can search for your name on its website. 
What if I have moved?

"If you have stayed within Boone county and you were registered?  You can update your address and still vote in the election," said Ashcroft.

Do I get to pick which primary, I want to vote in?

"We have an open primary, you are going to be asked when you go to vote what party ballot you want," said Lennon.

So what about if you turn 18 before the November election, Lennon says that you can register to vote as long as you are 17.5 years old and will be 18 by election day.  

With all the attention on the Senate race here in Missouri, Columbia voters have a unique August race to vote in.

The city council seat in Ward 3 for the Columbia City Council ended in a tie. Karl Skala who currently holds the seat and challenger Roy Lovelady each received 1,102 votes each.  Leading to the special election on Aug 2.  So when they say every vote matters, in Ward 3 proves how true that is.