Joe Smith: House Gives Final Approval to Voter Identification and Absentee Voter Legislation

House members gave final passage to House Bill 1966 (sponsored by Representative John Diehl, R – St. Louis) and House Joint Resolution 64 (sponsored by Representative Stanley Cox, R – Sedalia), which work together to change aspects of the voting process.

HJR64 is a proposed constitutional amendment that would not only give voters easier access to the polls, but ensure validity of voter identification. Getting to the polls on Election Day may not be realistic for all Missourians. Many of us meet ourselves coming and going, between taking the kids to soccer practice, demanding work schedules and out of town travel. In addition, many of our elder citizens are unable to stand in the long lines at the polls on Election Day because of health problems and physical restrictions. HJR64 requires one early voting center in each senatorial district to be open four days prior to Election Day so that those who are unable to get to the polls on Tuesday will have an opportunity to vote early. HJR64 also requires citizens to show photo identification in order to cast their votes. To me, this is a common-sense requirement. Movie theaters ask for identification before they allow young adults to view certain films, an id is required to be admitted on airplanes and you have to have photo identification in order to drive a vehicle – so why shouldn’t you be required to show one when you’re voting to elect individuals to office?

HB1966 works jointly with HJR64 to further positive changes in the voting process. While our men and women overseas are fighting for our freedom and making sacrifices for our great country, we should do what we can to make the voting process as convenient as possible for them. Through HB1966, the Secretary of State would be required to establish procedures for absent uniformed services voters and overseas voters to cast their ballots electronically, rather than loose paper documents. In addition, the Secretary of State must develop, in coordination with local election authorities, a free access system by which these voters may determine whether an absentee ballot has been received by the appropriate election authority. A sufficient quantity of paper ballots for federal elections must be printed and available for these voters within 45 days prior to the election. Registration applications and paper ballots cannot be rejected by an election authority because of any restriction on the paper or envelope type.