A new SLU/YouGov Poll released on Apr. 21 shows that most likely Missouri voters are confident in the state’s election administration ahead of the November election, with majorities supporting photo identification requirements and other voting measures.
The findings come as debates over voting laws and constitutional amendments continue to shape Missouri’s political landscape. The survey, which included 900 likely voters, found that 82% are at least somewhat confident the upcoming election will be run fairly.
Steven Rogers, Ph.D., SLU/YouGov Poll Director and associate professor of political science at Saint Louis University, said, “Missouri voters appear more confident in election administration than Americans overall. In a recent Marist poll, only 66% of American adults said they were confident or very confident that their state or local government will run a fair and accurate election this November. YouGov similarly found that only 58% of American adults had at least moderate confidence that the 2026 midterm elections would be held fairly. By comparison, we find that four in five Missouri likely voters express confidence in how elections will be run.”
The poll revealed strong support for requiring government-issued photo IDs to vote (82%) and for allowing no-excuse in-person absentee voting two weeks before Election Day (56%). Partisan divides persist: nearly all Republicans (98%) back photo ID requirements compared to lower percentages among Democrats (61%), while Democrats are more supportive of expanded absentee voting options.
Recent changes to state law have also affected voter preferences regarding ballot drop boxes and presidential primaries. While current law bans drop boxes—making Missouri one of eleven states with such restrictions—the majority of respondents support reinstating them. Fifty-four percent favor bringing back a state-run presidential primary; legislation has already passed the House to restore it for future cycles.
When asked about amending the Missouri Constitution, most respondents favored raising the threshold so changes would require majority approval in each congressional district—a move supported by both Republicans (72%) and half of Democrats (50%). Rogers said, “Requiring majority support in each U.S. Congressional district would make it much harder to amend the state constitution,” noting previous amendments on abortion and sports gambling might not have passed under this rule.
Community engagement remains central at Saint Louis University through service programs addressing social needs according to its official website. The university offers more than 100 undergraduate programs as well as over 100 graduate and professional degrees according to its official website, maintains a tradition rooted in Jesuit education focused on care for individuals according to its official website, pursues truth for humanity’s benefit according to its official website, and extends educational opportunities internationally through its Madrid campus according to its official website.
Looking ahead, community members can participate in an event titled “Every Voice, Every Vote” hosted by SLU’s William L. Clay Sr. Institute along with the Missouri Humanities Council on April 27 at Anheuser-Busch Auditorium. This public forum aims to foster discussion about civic engagement and trust-building around elections.
