The Rector Report
Voter ID Law – Update

As a wise & famous author once noted "The Cemetery & Canine Precincts are vital to some politicians."--The Webmistress
September 25, 2006
Enforcement and implementation of the “Missouri Voter Protection Act” has ceased. The Circuit Court of Cole County, on September 14, 2006, ruled that the requirements of Senate Bill 1014 are unconstitutional. The court ordered the State of Missouri, the Secretary of State, and all local election authorities to cease all actions in relation to implementing the “Missouri Voter Protection Act.”
 

On September 21, 2006, The Missouri Department of Revenue did ask the circuit judge to lift the injunction against the issuing of the free ID cards. A decision on that issue has not yet been rendered. This would permit people to continue obtaining free identification. In the event that the Supreme Court overturns the lower court ruling, it is important that people have the opportunity to get the necessary identification so that they may vote.
It is up to the Attorney General to appeal the ruling. The Supreme Court agreed to hear the case and set arguments for October 4 so that the issue is resolved before Election Day.
 

What this means for the November 7 election is this: Identification requirements are the same as they were before the governor signed the “Missouri Voter Protection Act.” Unless the lower court ruling is overturned, the list below outlines the forms of ID that will be accepted at the polls.
 

Acceptable forms of ID to vote are:
1. Identification issued by the state of Missouri, an agency of the state, or a local election authority of the state;
2. Identification issued by the United States government or agency thereof;
3. Identification issued by an institution of higher education, including a university, college, vocational and technical school, located within the state of Missouri;
4. A copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck or other government document that contains the name and address of the voter;
5. Driver's license or state identification card issued by another state.
6. Personal knowledge of the voter by two supervising election judges, one from each major political party, shall be acceptable voter identification upon the completion of an affidavit that is signed by both supervisory election judges and the voter that attests to the personal knowledge of the voter by the two supervisory election judges.
During the upcoming legislative session, beginning in January, the General Assembly may take up this issue again. It is important to ensure voter confidence by doing everything possible to be certain only eligible voters cast ballots.