Modifies provisions relating to elections
The impact of SB 668 on state laws centers on the stricter identification requirements imposed on voters. Voters will be required to provide certain forms of identification, and the state is mandated to supply one free nondriver's license to eligible voters who do not possess any other form of ID. This change is geared toward ensuring that only eligible voters participate in elections, purportedly to curb voter fraud and enhance the integrity of the electoral process.
Senate Bill 668 aims to modify several provisions concerning the electoral process in Missouri. The bill proposes the repeal of existing sections 115.085 and 115.427 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri, introducing new regulations that enhance voter identification requirements. Under the new proposed provisions, election authorities would be prohibited from accepting funding or grants from sources other than the state, federal government, or political subdivisions, ensuring financial transparency in the electoral process. Additionally, the bill states that only registered voters would be allowed to serve as election judges, with specific guidelines on their eligibility, particularly concerning conflicts of interest. Furthermore, individuals seeking to vote must present a form of personal identification at polling places or when voting in absentee ballots.
However, the bill has generated contention regarding its implications on voter accessibility and the potential disenfranchisement of voters lacking identification. Critics argue that these stringent measures could disproportionately affect minority groups, the elderly, and those with limited resources who may face challenges in obtaining the necessary forms of identification. There are also concerns about the increased administrative burden on election officials and the financial implications of providing free nondriver's licenses and facilitating access to identification documentation.