Two lawsuits filed recently challenge an anti-voter bill (HB1878) that took effect on Aug. 28. The League of Women Voters (LWVMO) says the new law violates their staff and volunteers’ right to core political speech. The second suit challenges a strict photo ID provision that would disenfranchise thousands of Missouri citizens who do not have a non-expired government-issued photo ID.

McLeod stressed that the statute is vaguely worded and does not define what it means to “solicit” voter registration or an absentee ballot application. Since League members often help more than 10 people register to vote, more than 160 volunteers registered as a solicitor with the Secretary of State after a form was posted on Aug. 28. The League stopped distributing blank absentee ballot application forms since violating that ban would be an election offense with a possible penalty of permanently losing the right to vote.

HB1878 requires citizens to show a state-issued photo ID, U.S. passport or military ID that has expired since the last general election in order to vote. Voters in past elections, including the August primary, were able to use several other forms of identification, including a voter ID card issued by an election authority, student ID, or utility bill. Judge Jon Beetem dismissed the new photo ID lawsuit on Oct. 13, but an appeal is being filed with the Missouri Supreme Court which previously said less restrictive photo ID requirements violated the Missouri Constitution.