Mo. House endorses voter photo ID requirement

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Missouri voters would be required to show photo identification before casting ballots under legislation endorsed by the Missouri House.

The House gave first-round approval Tuesday to two measures that would enact the requirement. One is a state constitutional amendment that upon voter approval would authorize state officials to require a photo ID during elections. The other bill would actually implement the requirement.

One of the sponsors, Republican Rep. Stanley Cox, of Sedalia, says the measure would increase integrity of elections and protect against fraud. Democrats opposed the bill and argued it would disenfranchise voters without proper identification.

Missouri's Legislature has made multiple attempts to enact the requirement, but have been stymied by courts and Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon.

The House measures need one more vote before moving to the Senate.


Voter Identification is HJR 47 and HB 1073

Online:

Legislature: http://www.moga.mo.gov