Kraus: Voting Legislation

Legislation

Early Voting and Voting Identification

Last week, the Missouri House gave first-round approval Wednesday to legislation, HB 1966, that would allow for an early voting period and require photo identification to vote.

Early voting would authorize a 4-day advance voting period prior to each primary or general election using absentee ballots. In a change to current requirements, no reason for requesting an absentee ballot would be needed.

The bill would also require a voter to present photo identification to election officials in order to vote. I believe that this provision is necessary to protect the election process by preventing voter fraud. Some doubt the existence of election fraud; however, many election officials contend otherwise.

House Approves Veterans Legislation

The House gave final approval last Thursday to a wide-ranging bill that would help Missouri's military members and veterans.

One provision of the bill would make it easier for military members serving overseas to vote. It would require the Secretary of State to establish procedures for overseas voters to request voter registration and absentee ballot applications and the use of some form of electronic communication.

Another provision of the bill would require the Adjutant General to establish the Missouri Youth Challenge Academy for at-risk high school age youth.  It also would require all state agencies and political subdivisions to give a three-point bonus preference to a service-disabled veteran business operating as a Missouri business when letting a contract for any job or service.

The House approved HB 1524 & 2260 by a vote of 148-0. The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.

Visitors to the Capitol

Last week was a another busy week for visitors to the Capitol

On Wednesday, about 55 residents of District 48 visited the Capitol.  I certainly enjoyed having them as guests.  They were able to go on a number of tours, and I was able to spend some time with them to answer questions and talk about state government.  At left, the photograph shows the great residents of John Knox Village in Lee's Summit.

On the same day, the Lee's Summit Chamber of Commerce came to Jefferson City for their day at the Capitol.  It was a pleasure meeting with them.  About seven valiant members made the daunting climb with me to the very top of the Capitol.  A deck at that height allows for a beautiful view of the city and the Missouri River.  It was a great day for that experience!

Another great school to visit the Capitol last week was the Lee's Summit Temple Baptist School.  This was a wonderful group of kids, led by Ron Peters. I always love it when students come to the Capitol and I have the opportunity to help educate them on the workings of the House of Representatives.

Back in Lee's Summit, I spoke at the Job Olympics Awards Ceremony at Unity Village.  Here, special needs students from Lee's Summit, Blue Springs, and Belton school districts were given awards for their skills in a variety of fields.  It was nice to see the kids' smiling faces as they received their awards.  Their excitement with their achievements truly brings home the worthwhile nature of this event.

With the beginning of the 2010 Legislative Session, the Capitol Report will be issued about once a week. During this time, if you have an event that you would like me to attend or speak at, please contact my office at 1 (573) 751-1459 or e-mail at will{dot}kraus{at}house{dot}mo{dot}gov.