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. The acceptable forms of identification include a nonexpired Missouri driver's license, a nonexpired or nonexpiring Missouri nondriver's license, and a new addition of a nonexpired student identification card issued by a Missouri high school or an accredited institution of higher education. Additionally, identification issued by the Missouri National Guard or the United States Armed Forces is also acceptable, provided it is not expired or does not have an expiration date. The bill also establishes procedures for voters who do not have the required identification, allowing them to cast a provisional ballot. To ensure their vote is counted, these voters must return to the polling place with an acceptable form of identification or have their identity verified by election officials. Furthermore, the bill mandates that the state provide one nondriver's license at no cost to qualified voters who do not possess identification, and it outlines the process for obtaining necessary documents to secure such identification. The Secretary of State is tasked with promoting awareness of these identification requirements and reporting on the issuance of nondriver's licenses for voting purposes.

Statutes affected:
Introduced (5167H.01): 115.427