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Hands holding I voted sign with voting ballot and disposable gloves during COVID
Editor's note: This article has been updated to reflect changes in some of the restaurant's and shop's offerings.
With the 2020 general election now less than 20 days away, it’s time to get your absentee and mail-in ballots notarized, St. Louis. In order to vote absentee in Missouri, you must claim one of seven reasons—including being out of town on Election Day, religious belief or practice, or “incapacity or confinement due to illness or physical disability”—and five of the seven reasons require a notary. Meanwhile, all mail-in ballots in Missouri require a notary.
The good news: The Missouri Secretary of State’s office has compiled a list of some 147 notaries in the St. Louis area who have volunteered to notarize absentee and mail-in ballots for free. You can also have your ballot notarized at more than 100 local eateries, cafés, retail shops, religious institutions, and other spots around town.
The (possible) bad news: The deadline for requesting an absentee or mail-in ballot to be received by the election authority is Wednesday, October, 21. That means if you haven’t requested your ballot yet, do so today! We’re not above sharing the same link three times in as many paragraphs.
To make the notarizing process even easier (and more fun), we’ve compiled a list of six local restaurants, cafés, and retail shops where St. Louis voters can get their ballots notarized for free. After making sure your vote counts in the general election this year, indulge in some snacks or retail therapy. This information comes courtesy of the STL Notary Coordination, which instructs voters to wear a face mask, bring your ID, pen and ballot, including its return envelope.
1. Maypop Coffee & Garden Shop
What: As its name suggests, an adorable coffee and garden shop
Where: 803 Marshall, Webster Groves
When: Saturday, October 17, 9–11 a.m. and 1–3 p.m.
Saturday, October 24, 9 –11 a.m. and 1–3 p.m.
Why: Serving Blueprint Coffee drinks and Big Heart Tea Co. teas, Maypop also sources pastries from Whisk: A Sustainable Bakeshop for customers. Pair an espresso with a seasonal sugar cookie shaped like a ghost and then browse the plentiful plant selection.
What: An independently owned comic book shop
Where: 3206 S. Grand
When: Friday, October 16, 5–7 p.m.
Saturday, October 17, 5–7 p.m.
Tuesday, October 20, 1–3 p.m.
Thursday, October 22, 1–3 p.m.
Friday, October 23, 5–7 p.m.
Saturday, October 24, 5–7 p.m.
Why: Come to get your ballot notarized and stay for the thousands of comic-book and graphic novel titles lining the shelves. Nosh while you shop with a coffee, craft beer, or snack from the store’s welcoming lounge and bar area.
What: A sunny food hall and retail incubator in Dutchtown
Where: 3301 Meramec
When: Friday, October 16, 4–6 p.m.
Sunday, October 18, 4–6 p.m.
Wednesday, October 21, 1–3 p.m.
Thursday, October 22, 1–3 p.m.
Friday, October 23, 4–6 p.m.
Why: In March, after more than a decade, Urban Eats Cafe switched gears. Due to the pandemic, the owners transitioned the space into Urban Eats Neighborhood Food Hall & Retail Food Incubator, which features space for six startup retail food businesses in its former dining rooms and Arts Collective. Currently, there are four startup retail restaurants operating out of the kitchen incubator, including Birria Tacos and Perfectly Pastry. Merchant member hours run from 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., although Perfectly Pastry plans to soon introduce earlier morning hours.
4. Bespoke
What: A creative custom clothing shop and showroom
Where: 2650 Cherokee
When: Sunday, October 18, 5–7 p.m.
Monday, October 19, 5–7 p.m.
Tuesday, October 20, 5–7 p.m.
Wednesday, October 21, 5–7 p.m.
Why: Bespoke has offered made-to-order dresses and other garments since owner Dorothy Jones opened the shop on Cherokee Street in 2014. Jones has been making face masks during the pandemic, as well, which are available for delivery or curbside pickup. Although the shop is closed for fittings, it has opened its doors for ballot notarizing this month.
What: A beloved neighborhood pub in Dogtown
Where: 6400 Oakland
When: Friday, October 16, 5–7 p.m.
Saturday, October 17, 3–5 p.m.
Sunday, October 18, noon–2 p.m.
Wednesday, October 21, 5–7 p.m.
Friday, October 23, 5–7 p.m.
Saturday, October 24, 3–5 p.m.
Sunday, October 25, noon–2 p.m.
Why: For the past 75 years, this tavern at 6400 Oakland has served pints and traditional pub fare in Dogtown. The Pat Connolly Tavern is known for its Irish-inspired charm, but don’t miss the fried chicken, which is a house specialty. The dining room and upstairs remain closed due to the pandemic, yet the pub’s outdoor “Pat-io” is open for customers, as is curbside pickup.
What: A bread bakery and café serving Old World–style loaves and café eats
Where: 1629 Tower Grove
When: Tuesday, October 20, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
Wednesday, October 21, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
Thursday, October 22, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
Why: Routinely rated one of the best bread bakeries in St. Louis, this Botanical Heights spot serves a range of Old World–style breads and fresh lunch and dinner fare. The Light and Mild sourdough is a must-try loaf, but whatever you order, you really can’t go wrong at Union Loafers. We also love the Little Gem Salad, Kale & Garbanzo Soup, and Smoked Beet Sandwich—after all, fulfilling your civic responsibility can really work up an appetite.
