JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - The Republican-led Missouri House has advanced a new effort to require voters to show photo identification at polling places.
On Thursday, the House approved a constitutional amendment that allows a photo ID requirement. Lawmakers then endorsed legislation to implement it. Both measures now move to the state Senate.
Lawmakers have considered enacting a photo ID requirement for voting several times in recent years. Debate generally has split along partisan lines. Republicans now control a veto-proof supermajority in both the House and the Senate.
Supporters of a photo ID requirement say it would help prevent voter fraud and protect legitimate votes. Critics say Missouri has not had recent incidents of voter fraud and the requirement could make it more difficult for some people to cast ballots.