(Update) – JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Republican sponsor of a bill to require Missouri voters to show photo identification at the polls says he’ll try to overturn Gov. Jay Nixon’s veto of the measure.
Nixon on Thursday vetoed the bill, saying it would make it harder to vote.
Rep. Justin Alferman says he’ll try to override Nixon’s veto during a September session. The bill previously passed with enough votes to overturn Nixon’s action.
The bill would allow people without photo ID to vote after signing a statement saying they don’t have the required identification and can show some other form of identification. It calls for the state to cover the cost of IDs for voters without them.
The measure wouldn’t take effect unless voters approve a proposed constitutional amendment.
Supporters say it could prevent fraud.
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(Missourinet) – A bill that would require voters to show a photo ID to vote is still awaiting action by Governor Jay Nixon.
Senator Will Kraus (R-Lee’s Summit) sponsored the measure that would also require the state to pay for photo IDs for those that don’t have one and for any supporting documentation, like a birth certificate.
“I fully believe he (Nixon) will veto it,” said Kraus. “We will be discussing it during veto session, which is perfectly fine. I believe we’ll have the votes [to overturn the veto].”
Those without photo ID could still vote if they sign an affidavit swearing under penalty of perjury that they don’t have a photo ID, and if they provide a utility bill or paycheck.
“We worked this bill with the minority party. They actually probably want this to pass because it will put voter ID to bed for a while anyways. We have the situation where [voters] can sign a statement. If this didn’t pass on an override, then we would have to potentially be back to address the actual implementation bill,” said Kraus.
Opponents argue voter fraud and impersonation don’t occur and the measure is an effort by Republicans to drive more conservative voters to the polls during an election year.
Kraus is running for Secretary of State.
Nixon has until July 15th to sign or veto bills passed by the legislature this year or they automatically become law.
The legislature’s veto session is September 14.