The bill proposes to repeal the existing section 115.427 of Missouri law and replace it with a new section that outlines the requirements for voter identification. Under the new provisions, individuals seeking to vote must present a form of personal photo identification at the polling place or when voting absentee in person. Acceptable forms of identification include a nonexpired Missouri driver's license, a nonexpired or nonexpiring Missouri nondriver's license, or other specified documents that meet certain criteria, such as containing the voter's name, photograph, and an expiration date. Additionally, the bill allows individuals without proper identification to cast a provisional ballot, provided they complete a provisional ballot affidavit and return with the required identification or have their identity verified by election officials. The bill also includes provisions to ensure that individuals who do not possess the necessary identification can obtain a nondriver's license at no cost, as well as free copies of documents needed to secure such identification. The Secretary of State is tasked with facilitating the acquisition of these documents and must report annually on the number of individuals who requested and received a nondriver's license for voting purposes. Furthermore, the bill mandates that the precinct register serve as the voter identification certificate, and it establishes rules for the implementation of these provisions. Notably, the language in the provisional ballot affidavit has been amended to change "swear" to "attest and affirm."

Statutes affected:
Introduced (4182H.01): 115.427