Voter ID Bill Passes in Senate
This week in the Missouri Capitol, the Senate advanced a measure that would help uphold the integrity of our state’s election process. House Bill 1631 would require voters to present certain forms of valid photo ID at the polls before voting in order to prevent election fraud. The measure is now headed back to the House for consideration. If passed in the House, the bill would go into effect upon Missouri voters’ approval of another measure, House Joint Resolution 53.
The purpose of the proposed amendment is to protect the election process from illegal voter fraud. It would work as a proactive measure to prevent individuals from using in-person voter impersonation to corrupt the polling system. Valid forms of voter ID include non-expired Missouri driver’s/non-driver’s licenses, federal- and state-issued documents (such as a passport) or any non-expired armed services ID that contains a photograph. This legislation would allow individuals without proper IDs to obtain one, with the state covering the associated costs.
Voters without the proper form of ID will still be able to vote as long as they sign a statement, under penalty of perjury, swearing that they are who they claim to be. Voters would also need to show some other form of identifying material – like a paycheck or utility bill. These voters will also be able to cast their votes on provisional ballots.
These are not drastic measures, and this legislation would not disenfranchise anyone. The requirements to vote contained in this bill are the same requisites that must be met when applying for something as small as a library card. I believe we should apply these minimum standards to something as important as the Missouri electoral process.
Contact Me
I always appreciate hearing your comments, opinions, and concerns. Please feel free to contact me in Jefferson City at (573) 751-2459. You may write me at Wayne Wallingford, Missouri Senate, State Capitol, Jefferson City, MO 65101, or email at wayne.wallingford@senate.mo.gov or www.senate.mo.gov/wallingford.
If you would like to stop receiving these weekly updates, please send an email here.