Ballot box basics: What you need to know for Election Day

By Leah Rainwater

With the general election on Tuesday, Nov. 5, there are some last-minute things voters should know to be prepared.

First, those voting need to show a government-issued photo ID before they receive a ballot.

“They (voters) need to show a Missouri driver’s or non-driver’s license,” said Mary Baack-Garvey, the Buchanan County Clerk and election official. “Or a passport or military ID. Something government-issued with a photo on it.”

Polls will open at 6 a.m. on Nov. 5 and close at 7 p.m. Anyone who tries to vote past 7 p.m. will not be allowed.

“Our judges are trained to go out there about five (minutes) ‘til 7 and wait for the last voter to come into line,” Baack-Garvey said. “Anybody past 7 p.m. are not allowed in the building.”

Baack-Garvey said she expects a 75% voter turnout on Election Day, even after about a week of no-excuse absentee voting at the Buchanan County Courthouse.

Presidential election results may not be finalized on Tuesday night, however, most local election results will be. Some will be available soon after the polls close.

“The absentees are always reported first, so (results will come in) usually about 7:15 p.m. to 7:20 p.m.,” said Baack-Garvey. “Then we just wait for the rest of our judges all over the polling places to bring their stuff in and we’ll just start by typing in the results as they come.”

Baack-Garvey said there were no sign-ups for poll watchers this year.

Additionally, any candidates or issue supporters need to be more than 25 feet away from the entrance of a polling place.

Voters cannot go into polling locations with hats, buttons, shirts or other merchandise that supports any candidate or cause.

News-Press NOW will bring you election updates and results throughout the day at newspressnow.com and over the air Tuesday at 5 p.m., 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. on NBC 21 KNPG and CBS 30 KCJO, as well as 5:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. on FOX 26 KNPN.