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Get Started: Missouri

Start by January of even-numbered years

Action 1. Choose Your Team (January, even years)

  • Select either the Missouri Democratic Party or Missouri Republican Party.
  • Contact your state or county party to join communication lists.

Missouri Democratic Party

Missouri Republican Party

Action 2. Confirm Nominating Process Date and Participation Process (January, even years)

  • Missouri does not hold state-run primaries.
  • Each party sets its own presidential nominating process.

Democratic Party:

Republican Party:

Action 3. Find Your Party Participation Location (January, even years)

Democratic Party:

Republican Party:

Action 4. Plan to Participate (January, even years)

Democratic Party:

  • Plan to submit mail-in ballot before deadline or attend designated in-person voting locations.
  • Verify submission deadlines and locations with the party.

Republican Party:

  • Plan to arrive early for credentialing (typically doors open at 9:00 AM; caucus starts at 10:00 AM).
  • In-person attendance required. No mail-in option.

Action 5. Participate in the Party Process (~February/March, even years)

  • Follow the instructions provided by your party.
  • Participate in voting and discussion according to party rules.

Action 6. Volunteer To Serve in a Precinct Position (~February/March, even years)

Democratic Party:

  • Missouri Democrats select precinct leadership through county party central committees.
  • Contact your county Democratic Party early in the year to inquire about open central committee positions.
  • Candidates file for central committee positions during the regular election filing period (typically in February–March for August elections).
  • Elected central committee members may serve as precinct officers or appoint others per county bylaws.

Republican Party:

  • Volunteer directly at your county-level caucus (March).
  • Positions such as Precinct Chair or Vice Chair are typically selected during the in-person caucus.

If not filling a position, offer to assist your precinct leadership.

Action 7. Volunteer To Serve as a Delegate (~February/March, even years)

At the caucus, volunteer to serve as a delegate to the Organizing Unit Convention (the next level of aggregation).

Volunteer to serve as a delegate or alternate to the organizing unit convention or next-level meetings.

Action 8. Participate in your Party

  • Stay active in your party.
  • Collect contact information for your precinct leadership and county party.
  • Confirm dates for upcoming caucuses, primaries, conventions, and meetings.
  • Verify how to stay on local contact lists for schedules, updates, and volunteer opportunities.
  • Volunteer, fund-raise, support your local candidates, and invite others.

Reminders

Election participation starts in January. February/March participation is critical. Enjoy your chance to participate in your party’s decision-making process.