ST. LOUIS — Mark your calendars for August 6, 2024. That’s when Missouri holds its primary election. This election decides who’ll be on the November ballot and settles some important issues.
There are plenty of high-profile races on the ballot. Voters will pick candidates for U.S. Senator, Governor, and other top state jobs. Nine Republicans, five Democrats, and one Libertarian are vying to be the next Missouri governor.
When and where to vote
Starting Tuesday, July 23, 2024, St. Louis City and County voters can cast absentee ballots without needing an excuse. The no-excuse voting will be available for two weeks before Election Day. Satellite locations and wait times can be found here.
On August 6, polling places open at 6:00 a.m. and remain open until 7:00 p.m. You will also need to bring a valid ID like a Missouri driver license, nondriver license, U.S. passport, or military ID. Check on your voter registration status and polling place location here.
What’s on the ballot?
What’s on your ballot? It depends. Where you live matters, as does which party’s ballot you choose. In Missouri, you can pick any party’s ballot, even if you’re not a member. But you only get one.
Some races are the same for everyone, like the U.S. Senate, Governor, and Attorney General. Others, like state representatives, depend on your address.
Look up your sample ballot here. Many county websites list all the candidates. Some even let you preview your ballot by entering your address. Check it out before election day.
St. Louis area sample ballots:
In addition to the candidates, there are two amendments on the August ballot. Amendment 1 could make childcare cheaper by cutting taxes for providers. Amendment 4 is about police funding in Kansas City.
The U.S. Senate race? Current Senator Josh Hawley has no Republican challengers. Democrats have four choices including Lucas Kunce, Mita Biswas, December Harmon, and Karla May. Libertarians, also have one choice, W. C. Young.
For governor and other state offices, you’ll see lots of names. Republicans have a packed field. Democrats and libertarians have fewer options.
One high-profile race in the St. Louis area is the Democratic matchup in Missouri’s 1st Congressional District. Incumbent candidate Cori Bush and St. Louis County Prosecutor Wesley Bell are getting national attention. Maria Chappelle-Nadal and Ron Harshaw are also running.
Who’s running for Missouri governor in 2024?
Candidates running to represent Missouri in federal offices:
U.S. Senator: Mita Biswas (D), December L. Harmon (D), Josh Hawley (R), Lucas Kunce (D), Karla May (D), and W. C. Young (L)
U.S. House 7th District: John Adair (R), Eric Burlison (R), Kevin Craig (L), Missi Hesketh (D), Camille Lombardi-Olive (R), and Audrey Richards (R)
U.S. House 4th District: Mark Alford (R), Jeanette Cass (D), Thomas Holbrook (L), and Mike McCafree (D)
Republican candidates running in statewide races:
Governor: Jay Ashcroft, Bill Eigel, Darren L. Grant, Jeremy Gundel, Robert James Olson, Mike Kehoe, Darrell Leon McClanahan III, Amber Thomsen, Chris Wright
Lieutenant Governor: Tim Baker, Paul Berry III, Lincoln Hough, Matthew E. Porter, Holly Rehder, Dave Wasinger
Secretary of State: Mike Carter, Mary Elizabeth Coleman, Jamie Corley, Valentina Gomez, Denny Hoskins, Dean Plocher, Adam J. Schwadron, Shane Schoeller
State Treasurer: Andrew Koenig, Vivek Malek, Karan Pujji, Lori Rook, Cody Smith, Tina Goodrick
Attorney General: Andrew Bailey and Will Scharf
Democratic candidates running in statewide races:
Governor: Sheryl Gladney, Mike Hamra, Hollis, L. Laster, Eric Morrison, Crystal Quade
Lieutenant Governor: Richard Brown and Anastasia Syes
Secretary of State: Haley Jacobson, Barbara Phifer, Monique Williams
State Treasurer: Mark Osmack
Attorney General: Elad Jonathan Gross
Libertarian candidates running in statewide races:
Governor: Bill Slantz
Lieutenant Governor: Ken Iverson
Secretary of State: Carl Herman Freese
State Treasurer: John A. Hartwig, Jr.
Attorney General: Ryan L. Munro
Depending on where you live, you might vote for county officials or on local issues. Every vote counts, especially in these smaller races. Remember, primaries shape November’s choices. It’s your chance to have a say. So study up, show up, and make your voice heard.
