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Navigating the Presidential Election: A Nonpartisan Resource: Home

Overview of the Election Process

What is a Presidential Election?

A U.S. presidential election is a nationwide vote held every four years to elect the President and Vice President.

It involves:

  • Primaries and Caucuses: Held by political parties to select their nominees.
    • Primaries: Voters. cast ballots to choose delegates for their preferred candidate.
    • Caucuses: Party members gather to discuss and vote on candidates.
  • General Election: Voters choose between candidates from different political parties.
  • Electoral College: Each state has a set number of electors based on its population. The candidate who wins the majority of the electoral votes (270 out of 538) wins the presidency.

Key Dates to Remember

  • Voting & Registration Deadlines: It varies by state, so make sure to check your state's deadline, but typically 30 days before the election. In the state of Missouri, voter registration ended on October 9, 2024.
  • Debates: Typically held between September and October in election years. 
  • Election Day: Held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November (November 5, 2024).

Voter Registration Information

Check Registration Status

You can check your registration status here.

How to Register

  1. Online: Visit Vote.gov to find your state's registration process.
  2. By Mail: Download, complete, and mail a National Voter Registration Form.
  3. In-Person: Register at your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), public libraries, or other designated locations.

 

Key Issues & Topics

Nonpartisan Resources on Major Issues

For nonpartisan information on major election issues, explore:

Fact-Checking Resources

Use these sources to verify claims made by candidates:

View What Is on Your Ballot

Look up Sample Ballots

Review Missouri Judges

  1. Your sample ballot (above) includes any judges subject to a retention vote.
  2. Use this site to type their name in the search bar to view their profile and the results of their lawyer survey review.

The Choice 2024: Harris vs. Trump (PBS)

FAQs

Common Questions about Voting and Elections

  • Who can vote?: U.S. citizens aged 18 and older, subject to state-specific registration and residency requirements.

  • What ID is needed?: ID requirements vary by state. Check your state’s rules at Vote.org Voter ID Laws

  • How do I find my polling place?: Use the polling place locator at Vote.org Polling Place Locator

Voting Methods

In-Person Voting

  • Polling Locations: Check your polling place at Vote.org or through your local election office.
  • Polling Hours: Typically open from 7 AM to 8 PM, but this varies by state.

Mail-In and Absentee Voting

  1. Request a Ballot: Visit your state's election website to request an absentee or mail-in ballot.
  2. Submit Ballot: Follow instructions carefully; ensure it's mailed back or dropped off by the deadline. Deadlines vary but are often around Election Day.

Early Voting

Early voting allows you to vote before Election Day:

  • Dates: Early voting begins in some states 15-30 days before Election Day.
  • Locations: Contact your local election office or check Vote.org for early voting locations in your state.

Civic Engagement Opportunities

How to Get Involved

Explore nonpartisan organizations focused on promoting civic engagement:

Volunteer Opportunities

Get involved in civic engagement by:

Media Literacy

Evaluating News Sources

To assess news credibility:

  • Check the Source: Look for well-known, reputable news outlets.

  • Cross-Reference Information: Confirm facts using multiple credible sources.

  • Beware of Sensationalism: Avoid headlines that seem exaggerated or emotionally charged.

Understanding Bias

Learn to recognize bias in media by exploring: