Purgason: Voter ID Measures Advance, Redistricting Info

The Missouri Senate last week debated and gave first round approval to a bill [SJR2] requiring voters to first show a photo ID before casting a ballot. This debate goes back several years amid concerns over voter fraud. In 2006 the Missouri General Assembly passed similar legislation requiring photo identification. This law was later struck down as unconstitutional by the Missouri Supreme Court.

If this year’s legislation passes, it would not take effect until a constitutional amendment passes a vote of the people. The House of Representatives is considering such an amendment. The House also has its own version of photo ID legislation.

The Senate bill does not contain any provisions relating to early voting. The bill being considered in the House [HJR14] does address this issue. Under current law a person may vote prior to Election Day as long as they provide a reason for needing to do so. Proponents of early voting say this requires citizens to perjure themselves if they indeed are not going to be absent.

An amendment allowing an exemption for showing a photo ID to anyone who produces a traffic summons resulting in their driver’s license being revoked was adopted. Another amendment allowing for Election Day voter registration was voted down. Following final passage in the Senate, the bill will go to the House.

The Senate Select Committee on Redistricting has begun holding hearings in various locations around the state. The legislature is responsible for redrawing congressional districts prior to the 2012 election.

The process is the same as for a piece of legislation. The House and Senate committees both conduct hearings and produce separate maps dividing the state into roughly equal congressional districts. This year will be more difficult than past years as Missouri lost a seat in Congress as a result of our population not keeping up with that of other states. Now, nine current seats must be consolidated into eight districts. This means two sitting members of Congress will be drawn into the same district and must run against each other.

Both chambers will debate their respective bills when they pass out of committee. Any member may offer amendments to the map. The final version will be voted on and then considered by the other chamber. If the Senate and House maps are not identical, a committee of five senators and five representatives will meet to draw the final version. This compromise map must still be approved by both chambers. It must then be submitted to Governor Nixon for his approval or veto.

As always, you may contact me at 573-751-1882, e-mail to chuck{dot}purgason{at}senate{dot}mo{dot}gov or write to me at State Capitol, Room 416, 201 West Capitol Avenue, Jefferson City, MO 65101.