Plan ahead for the election

To the Editor:

I have worked as an election judge in St. Louis County for eight years and wish to share some thoughts that will make it easier for you in this presidential election.  Please plan ahead.

1.  Be sure you are properly registered. If you are new to St. Louis County, you must register here to vote.

2.  Allow plenty of time on Election Day, and be patient at your polling place as you wait to cast your ballot.

3.  As other offices, both state and federal, will also be voted on, please do your homework and know for whom you will be voting before you arrive at your polling place.

4.  Remember that identification will be required. Anytime you’ve had a change of name or address, you need to notify the Board of Election Commissioners. Do it now – well ahead of Election Day to save you time and trouble.

5.  Your voter notification card, mailed about a week before the election, will identify your polling place. However, if you have moved within St. Louis County but have not yet notified the Board of Election Commissioners, you need to do this right away. Otherwise, you most likely will have to be sent to a different polling place on Election Day because Missouri law requires that you must always vote at your new polling place.

6.  If you are permanently disabled or the caretaker of one who is, you may find it much easier to vote by absentee ballot. If you live in St. Louis County, call (314) 615-1933 to ask for the application specifically for permanently disabled voters and their caretakers. You only have to submit this form once and will then automatically be mailed an absentee ballot application for each election in which you are eligible to vote.

Finally, for all who are able, please consider becoming an Election Judge (that is what poll workers are called). Many more are still needed. You will be trained beforehand as well as paid for working on Election Day. Call (314) 615-1865 if you can serve St. Louis County and our country in this way.

Esther Sheppard

Chesterfield