A new law stipulates that voters must show a government-issued photo ID that has not expired or expired since the last general election. Voters without an acceptable ID could still vote a blue provisional ballot, but their votes won’t count if an election official didn't confirm that the signature  matched that on record. Provisional ballots were not allowed for people who voted in-person.

Many people think every voter has a driver’s license, but many Missourians don’t drive. The Missouri Department of Revenue, through the license offices throughout the state, will provide one nondriver license at no charge for purposes of voting. If you need a free state-issued photo ID to vote or know someone who does, call 573-526-VOTE today. 

To get that ID, you will need to provide a certified copy of your birth certificate. If your name has changed and is not the same as on your birth certificate, you will also need to provide the official documents with the changes of your name (e.g .marriage license or a divorce or adoption decree). The Secretary of State’s office can help you get any of those documents. Click here, call 1-866-868-3245 or email: GoVoteMissouri [at] sos.mo.gov. 

There are a few positive changes in this new law. For the first time, there was two weeks of no-excuse, in-person absentee voting for voters with the required ID. Missourians who have moved within the state could update their address when they vote.

The League believes Missouri should make voting easier, not more complicated. Our members are working to make sure all eligible citizens know what’s needed to vote and have their votes count.

For the Fact Sheet on HB1878, click here.