Dexter, Missouri Public Records

Missouri's bond and bail process permits release pending trial through cash, surety bonds, or property bonds. Those searching for someone recently arrested can contact the Sheriff's Office directly or check the available online resources.

The Missouri Bureau of Investigation also helps with compiling and disseminating criminal history information, so that Stoddard County residents have access to data for personal or professional purposes. The availability of these records supports transparency and public safety by allowing individuals and organizations to make informed decisions based on accurate criminal history information.

Missouri residents can register to vote online through the Missouri Secretary of State's website at www.sos.mo.gov/elections/goVoteMissouri, by mail, or in person at the Stoddard County Clerk's office. Voters must be U.S. Citizens, Missouri residents, at least 17.5 years old to register (18 to vote), and not currently serving a sentence for a felony conviction. Registration must be completed by the fourth Wednesday prior to any election. First-time voters who register by mail may need to provide identification when voting, though Missouri offers same-day registration during in-person absentee voting periods. Municipal elections in Dexter take place in April of odd-numbered years, with the next election scheduled for April 2025 for Mayor and City Council positions. The city operates under a Mayor-Council form of government. The Mayor serves a two-year term, and six Council members serve staggered two-year terms representing three wards. Candidate filing for municipal positions occurs in December and January preceding the April election, with information available through Dexter City Hall at 573-624-5678. The filing fee for municipal candidates is established by city ordinance. Voters can locate their assigned polling place using the Missouri Secretary of State's polling place lookup tool at www.sos.mo.gov/elections/pollingplacelookup or by contacting the Stoddard County Clerk's office directly. Polling places are assigned based on voter registration address and precinct boundaries. Polls are open from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM on election day, and Missouri law requires voters to present a current and valid photo ID or other acceptable identification. In the November 2024 presidential election, Stoddard County recorded approximately 13,500 votes cast out of roughly 19,000 registered voters, representing turnout of approximately 71% in a high-participation presidential race. The county historically leans Republican in federal and statewide elections, though local races are often competitive. The November 3, 2026 general election will feature several significant races for Dexter and Stoddard County voters. Missouri's U.S. Senate Class III seat (currently held by Josh Hawley) will be on the ballot, as 2026 is not a U.S. Senate election year for Missouri's regular cycle, but the state's governor and other statewide constitutional offices are scheduled. The Governor's race, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, State Treasurer, and Attorney General positions will all be decided. Missouri State House District 147, which includes the community, will elect a representative to the Missouri General Assembly for a two-year term. County-level positions including County Commission seats, Sheriff, Assessor, Collector, Prosecutor, and other county offices may appear depending on term schedules. Voters will also decide on any state constitutional amendments, county ballot measures, and local issues referred by the City Council. Missouri election records are public under state law. Voter registration lists are available for purchase from the Stoddard County Clerk for legitimate political and governmental purposes. Campaign finance reports for candidates and committees are searchable through the Missouri Ethics Commission website at www.mec.mo.gov. Candidate filing information and precinct-level election results are maintained by the Stoddard County Clerk and posted following certification. Missouri offers both absentee voting for voters who qualify under specific circumstances and no-excuse mail-in voting. Voters can request mail-in ballots beginning six weeks before an election by submitting an application to the Stoddard County Clerk. Applications can be submitted online, by mail, or in person. Completed ballots must be received by the election authority by 7:00 PM on election day. In-person absentee voting is available at the Stoddard County Clerk's office beginning the second Tuesday prior to an election through the day before the election.