Reid Kellermann | Staff Illustrator

Missouri midterms are coming up soon, on Tuesday, Nov. 3. Since election time is right around the corner, it’s important to start thinking about registration. 

Oct. 7 is the final day to register to vote, which you can do online, in person, or by mail. To register, you must be a resident of the state (that means having an address) and know the last four digits of your Social Security number. You cannot use an out-of-state ID or driver’s license to vote. On Election Day, you’ll need to bring a non-expired Missouri-issued ID or driver’s license, a military ID, or a valid U.S. passport. If you don’t have your passport with you, consider picking it up during a fall break trip home. 

The closest polling places to the Danforth Campus are Hamilton Elementary School (City of St. Louis) or right in the DUC (St. Louis County) — of course, for the most up-to-date information, always check the city or county election board website.

No matter where you stand on the issues on the ballot this year, voting is among our greatest civic responsibilities, and local politics are often where our voices matter most. Whether you’re a St. Louis native or hail from far away, we are all part of this city. That means paying attention and contributing to the conversations that are happening within it.

If you can’t vote or choose to not vote in St. Louis area elections, there are other ways to stay civically engaged. From canvassing for candidates or causes you believe in to volunteering with local nonprofit organizations, there is a lot of work to be done. 

Political and social change doesn’t just come every two years when the midterms or presidential elections roll around; every day is a new opportunity to realize the change that you hope to see in the world.

We encourage you to not just passively live in St. Louis for four years but to actively be a part of our community. Your vote, your voice, and your actions matter. This fall break, we encourage you to make sure that you are registered to vote and that you take the time to educate yourself on the issues that pertain to you. The articles in this election issue are geared toward explaining the issues that matter in St. Louis, and they can be a great resource for this upcoming election. 

Staff editorials reflect the opinion of the majority of our editorial board members. The editorial board operates independently of our newsroom and includes members of staff.

Dion Hines | Managing Forum Editor

Apurva Ganti | Training and Recruitment Editor

Hannah La Porte | Managing Scene Editor

Jake Isenberg | Scene Editor

Maddie Morgan | Forum Editor

Eran Fann | Photo Editor

Kate Theerman Rodriguez | Forum Editor

Ava Giere | Managing Copy Editor

Hannah Much | Managing Sports Editor

Bee Austin | Sports Editor

Campbell Crum | DEI Editor