One person, one vote. That is the bedrock principle upon which our democracy was founded, and still exists today. As such, this institution is one of the most sacred in the land, and must be protected. In an effort to stop fraud and abuse in our elections, the Missouri Senate adopted two measures this week that would implement voter ID laws in Missouri.
The proposals are some of the most accommodating in the country to those few who may not have an ID. In this bill the state will pay for the initial documents, allows those without an ID to sign a statement and still vote with a normal ballot, and maintains the ability to vote provisionally.
Voter ID laws are a simple way to ensure the honesty of every ballot cast. They place little to no burden on the public in order to partake in our most important civic right of voting. Most people already have a photo ID necessary for health visits, assistance programs, etc.
The public supports these measures. Around 70 to 80 percent of voters believe in presenting a photo ID before casting a ballot.
The Senate also took up and passed Senate Bill 663, an omnibus legal measure that tackles everything from elder abuse reporting to sheriff’s offices assisting law enforcement agencies in other counties. Among one of its more major provisions is an extension of the state’s castle doctrine, which gives a person every right to use lethal force to protect themselves on their personal property, such as in their home.
This legislation would extend the castle doctrine and create Stand Your Ground laws in Missouri, eliminating the requirement to flee before protecting yourself and now moves to the House for consideration.
Visitors from the district this week: Jim Salaki, Eugenia Hall, Wanda Allen, Michelle McLerran-Kreisler, Jim Hansen, Rick Renno, and Courtney Wegman.