Rep. Chrissy Sommer's Weekly Capitol Connection - May 6, 2016

To read entire Capitol Connection, click here

Mothers Day:

This Sunday is Mother's Day, the day we honor the grace, wisdom, and strength of all of our mothers, and all women that have made a difference in a child’s life.

For those of us fortunate enough to have a mother living and guiding us, it is nothing less than a gift from above. I encourage you to take this day to celebrate the extraordinary contributions mothers make in the lives of their children and their families.

House and Senate Give Final Approval to Voter ID Measure (HB 1631)

The House and Senate reached final agreement this week on legislation designed to require a valid form of photo identification in order to vote. The legislation, which would put a system of voter identification into state law, is a companion piece to a proposed constitutional amendment that would first allow voters to determine if Missouri should require photo identification to vote. The statutory change is now on its way to the governor for his consideration. The constitutional amendment requires a final vote in the Senate and one more vote in the House before going on the November ballot.

HB 1631 would implement the system of voter identification if the constitutional amendment is approved by voters. The bill would require voters to present a specified form of identification in order to vote in a public election. Valid forms of identification would include photo IDs issued by the state, the federal government or the military. The bill also would require the state to pay for individuals to obtain a valid ID if they do not have one, or to obtain the documents necessary for a government-issued photo ID.

Additionally, the final version of the bill contains a provision that would allow a voter without a valid photo ID to vote with a regular ballot by showing another form of identification and signing a statement stating that the voter is the person he or she claims to be. If no statement is signed the voter could still vote provisionally.

Supporters called the measure a necessary step to protect the integrity of the elections process. They said providing a valid photo ID is the best way to ensure voters are who they say they are when they cast their vote. They also deflected criticism that the bill would disenfranchise Missourians without an ID by pointing to the provisions that would help voters obtain identification and that would still allow those without an ID to vote.

To read entire Capitol Connection, click here