SPONSOR: Baker
COMMITTEE ACTION: Voted "Do Pass" by the Special Committee on Public Policy by a vote of 3 to 2. Voted "Do Pass" by the Standing Committee on Rules- Administrative Oversight by a vote of 5 to 2.
Upon voter approval, this Constitutional amendment specifies that only citizens of the United States are considered legal voters, that all elections shall be by paper ballot or any mechanical method prescribed by law, that voters are entitled to only one vote for each office or issue on a ballot, and that the candidate receiving the greatest number of votes in a primary election shall be the only candidate for that party in the following general election.
This resolution requires every voting machine in use by an election authority to be tested and certified in accordance with federal standards prior to each election in which it is used. Further, it provides that the General Assembly may by law, require or prohibit the use of any voting machine.
This bill is the same as SS SJR 30 (2023).
PROPONENTS: Supporters say that this will let the voters decide whether they want rank choice or approval voting. This aims to protect the integrity of voting, especially voting machines.
Testifying in person for the bill were Representative Baker; Missouri Farm Bureau; Clout Public Affairs; and Byron Keelin, Freedom Principle Mo.
OPPONENTS: Those who oppose the bill say that this bill limits the ability for voters' voices to be heard. Approval voting should be allowed because it works and creates more competitive elections.
Testifying in person against the bill was Angie Dunlap, League of Women Voters of Metro St. Louis.
Written testimony has been submitted for this bill. The full written testimony and witnesses testifying online can be found under Testimony on the bill page on the House website.