JEFFERSON CITY — State Sen. Jill Schupp, D-Creve Coeur, has filed two measures to increase participation in the democratic process and make it easier for eligible Missourians to vote in elections.
Senate Bill 171 would allow any registered voter, no matter the circumstances, to vote early by casting an absentee ballot in-person or by mail. Senate Bill 384 would allow same-day registration and voting for eligible Missourians who missed the voter registration deadline and would be otherwise barred from voting.
“Missourians want to make sure their voices are heard at the ballot box, and not silenced because of outdated laws and bureaucratic red tape. I’ve filed legislation that will keep our elections secure while updating our laws to help more eligible Missourians vote,” Sen. Schupp said. “There is no reason outdated laws should disenfranchise Missourians and prevent them from casting a ballot. It’s time to modernize the registration process so that all eligible voters can exercise their constitutional right.”
About 25 percent of eligible Missouri voters are not registered. Senator Schupp’s legislation would allow voters to register and cast a provisional ballot at their polling place on Election Day, or register and vote absentee up until the day prior. A valid ID and proof of residency would be required for same-day registration.
Same-day voter registration is allowed in 17 states. Two of Missouri’s immediate neighbors, Illinois and Iowa, permit voters to complete their registration at their polling place. No-excuse early voting is permitted in 29 states including 5 neighboring states.
For more information on Sen. Schupp’s legislation, visit her official Missouri Senate website at www.senate.mo.gov/schupp.