Requiring voters to present photo identification at the polls - which has more to do with partisan politics than ensuring fair and honest elections - has been sent to Gov. Jay Nixon.
Some variant of the proposal has occupied lawmakers for years, but Republicans on Wednesday advanced a diluted version to the Democratic governor.
We have two problems with the bill - one constitutional, the other political.
Presenting a photo ID at a polling place is not among qualifications outlined in the Missouri Constitution, which says properly registered Missourians are "entitled" to vote. Previous legislative approval of a photo ID bill was struck down by the state Supreme Court in 2006.
This year's bill is accompanied by a separate proposal, pending in the Legislature, which would require voters to amend the constitution in order for the bill to take effect - but the amendment only says voters "may be required by general law to identify himself or herself with a form of identification, which may include valid government-issued photo identification."
Remaining hurdles, therefore, include action by Nixon and the outcome of a statewide vote on a constitutional amendment.
Our quarrel with the proposal is, its focus is more on political advantage than honest elections.
Supporters of photo ID, largely Republicans, contend the proposal is designed to prevent voter fraud.
Opponents, largely Democrats, counter that voter fraud traditionally has not been a problem in Missouri elections. They maintain the motivation for the bill is to impede and/or disenfranchise minority and poor voters who historically have favored Democrats.
The preferred strategy to win elections is developing a platform that gains support from a majority of voters. A devious strategy is to obstruct and/or eliminate voters who support competitors.
Diluted provisions in the measure advanced to the governor are designed to make the bill more palatable but, in reality, they simply muddle the election process.
Missouri's election process outlined in the constitution has served voters well for many years. We are open to improvements, but the voter ID proposal is an unnecessary partisan ploy.