If you are a registered voter and know you will be unable to vote on Election day, prepare to apply for an absentee ballot.  In both Illinois and Missouri, absentee ballots can be requested in person at your election authority(county clerk or board of election commissioners).  In Missouri, the election authority must receive the absentee ballot by mail no later than 5:00 p.m. on the Wednesday prior to any election.  Voters can vote by absentee in the office of the local election authority until 5:00 p.m. the night before the election.  You can vote absentee in Missouri beginning six weeks prior to an election.

In Illinois, you need to get the proper application for an absentee ballot, either by mail or in person, from your election authority.  Absentee votes are allowed by mail, not more than 40 days nor less than 5 days prior to the election.  Absentee votes are allowed in person not more than 40 days nor less than 1 day prior to the election.  You can get more information from your county clerk or election board commissioners.  Here are some numbers:

St. Louis City  314-622-4336

St. Louis County 314-615-1833

Jefferson County 636-797-5483

St. Charles 636-949-7550

In Illinois:

Madison County 618-692-6290

St. Clair County 618-825-2380