Missourians can begin voting in the November 2nd election today.

The Secretary of State’s office has announced that absentee voting begins today for the November 2nd general election. Missourians can vote absentee at their local election office, which is the county clerk’s office for most of the state. Absentee ballots can be requested through the mail. First time absentee voters must provide identification. An application is available for download at GoVoteMissouri.com.

The deadline to request an absentee ballot by mail is 5pm on Wednesday, October 27th. Absentee ballots can be cast as late as 5pm, November 1st.

Laura Egerdal with the Secretary of State’s office says current state law requires those casting absentee ballots to give a reason for why they cannot vote on Election Day. The primary reason for casting an absentee ballot is that the voter will be out of town and unable to go to the polls on Election Day. Other excuses include disability, religious practice and working for the election authority, at the polls or in some other capacity.