Missourians will vote Nov. 8 on the Legislature's proposed constitutional amendment to let the state require voters to have a photo ID, Gov. Jay Nixon said Monday.
The state constitution automatically places a General Assembly-proposed amendment on the next "general election" ballot but allows the governor to order an earlier, special election instead.
Governors often use the power to put some issues on the August primary ballot.
Nixon's Monday news release announcing the decision didn't explain it. But the governor told reporters earlier this month he was leaning toward the Nov. 8 general election, when the most voters likely are to cast votes.
Voters will be asked to approve an additional section to the Missouri Constitution's section on elections.
Lawmakers also specified the ballot language voters will see on Nov. 8: "Shall the Constitution of Missouri be amended to state that voters may be required by law to verify one's identity, citizenship and residence by presenting identification that may include valid government-issued photo identification?"
If voters approve the proposed amendment, lawmakers also have passed a bill enabling a photo-ID requirement.
Like any other bill, Nixon has the right to sign it or veto it - although lawmakers could override a veto during the veto session that begins Sept. 14.
Nixon hasn't said what he'll do with the bill - although he often has said he doesn't like the idea of making it harder for people to vote.
Missourians who are not, yet, registered voters can find registration information on the Missouri secretary of state's website, www.sos.mo.gov, Nixon said.
Or they can contact their county clerk's office.