SPRINGFIELD, MO – May 20, 2026 – Greene County youth are being urged to take the first step toward civic participation by registering to vote ahead of the upcoming November 3 general election. In accordance with Missouri Revised Statute Section 115.133, Missouri citizens must be at least 17 years and 6 months old to register, though they cannot cast a ballot in any election prior to their 18th birthday. Registering early ensures that newly eligible voters are fully prepared to cast their ballots.
"Young voters represent the future of our state, yet they frequently miss out on elections simply because they don't realize they can register early," said Shane Schoeller, Greene County Clerk. "If you are 17½ right now and will be 18 by November 3rd, your voice matters. Registering today ensures you have a say in the decisions shaping your community and beyond, in both state and federal elections." Residents have until 5:00 pm on Wednesday, October 7 to register to vote with eligibility for the general election on Tuesday, November 3.
Eligible residents may register to vote in one of the following ways: 1) visit the Office of the County Clerk in the Historic Courthouse at 940 N Boonville Ave, Room 113 in Springfield during business hours of Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm; 2) visit any Missouri Department of Revenue vehicle license office or any branch of the Springfield-Greene County Library; 3) visit the website for the Missouri Secretary of State at https://www.sos.mo.gov/. Mail-in registrations will also be accepted if postmarked by Wednesday, October 7. Voter registration information is also available online at http://vote.greenecountymo.gov.
Valid Forms of Identification
A person applying to register to vote with an election authority shall identify himself or herself by presenting a copy of a:
• Birth certificate
• Native American tribal document
• Other proof of United States citizenship
• Valid Missouri driver’s license
• Other form of personal identification at the time of registration.