Rupp: Important Voter Information for the Upcoming General Election

Walter H. Judd — an American politician and statesman known for his eloquent oratory and expertise in U.S. foreign policy and recipient of our nation's highest civilian award, the Presidential Medal of Freedom — once declared, "People often say that, in a democracy, decisions are made by a majority of the people.  Of course, that is not true.  Decisions are made by a majority of those who make themselves heard and who vote — a very different thing."

Our state's general election is just a few short weeks away.  For those who have not registered to vote in this important election, the last day to do so is Wednesday, Oct. 6.  Voter registration forms must be postmarked by this deadline.  If you need to update your name and address or register to vote for the first time, there are three easy ways to receive your voter registration application.

You can print out the application online by visiting www.sos.mo.gov/elections/goVoteMissouri/print.aspx.  Simply click on the drop down menu, select the county in which you live, then hit submit.  Your voter application will appear with a mailer detailing your local election authority's mailing information.  You can also pick up an application at your county clerk's office and mail it in: Lincoln County Clerk's Office, 201 Main St., Troy, MO 63379 (www.lcclerk.com), or St. Charles County Clerk's Office, 397 Turner Blvd., St. Peters, MO 63376 (http://election.sccmo.org/election).  Or you can call the Missouri Elections Division at 1-800-NOW-VOTE (669-8683); however, your application will most likely not arrive in time so you will need to select one of the other two options.

The Missouri Secretary of State's voting website (www.sos.mo.gov/elections/goVoteMissouri) provides visitors with a wide variety of information regarding citizens' voting rights, voter registration, and how to find your polling place.  If you have specific elections administration questions, please contact the Office of the Secretary of State Elections Division at (573) 751-2301 or toll-free at (800) NOW-VOTE (669-8683).

Voting is one of the many freedoms we take for granted.  Every election is important — from those addressing local government decisions all the way up to selecting the President of the United States.  Please make sure you are registered to vote and get out on Nov. 2 to make your voice heard.

If you have any other questions regarding issues involving your state government, please visit my website at www.senate.mo.gov/rupp.  You can also e-mail me or call my office toll-free at (866) 271-2844.