As of June 1, photo IDs are required for voting in the state of Missouri, although the law allows a lot of flexibility.
Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft toured the state Monday to get the word out, including a stop at the downtown St. Joseph Public Library. Ashcroft said that if you present a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, non-driver’s license, passport or military ID, you’ll get to vote.
If you’re registered, but don’t have a photo ID, Ashcroft said you can provide your old identification, and sign a statement, and you’ll be allowed to vote.
Even if you don’t have any ID, you’ll be allowed to vote by provisional ballot, and if your signature matches the signature in the voter registry, your vote counts. You can also return to the polling place later with your ID and your vote will count.
Ashcroft wanted to make it clear that if you’re registered and don’t have a photo ID, they’re free from the License Office. “If you have the documentation you can go down to the DMV with the requisite documentation they can do that in one day,” Ashcroft said. “And when you go to the DMV, tell them you need that free government-issued ID for voting.”
“If you’re not a registered voter, we have voter-registration forms, the clerk’s office here in town has them, you can get information on how to register from our Web site, you can call our toll-free hotline at (866)868-3245,” he said. “We want your voice to be heard.”
To get a government-issued photo ID for voting, you’ll need to provide three things:
- Proof of name, date of birth and place of birth. (US birth certificate OR US passport, OR US Certificate of Citizenship, Naturalization or Birth Abroad, OR a photocopy of a certified US Birth Certificate accompanied by a US Military Identification Card OR US Military Discharge Papers.
- Social Security Number (verbally or by presenting card)
- Proof of Missouri Residential Address (Utility Bill – Paycheck – Government Check – Mortgage Document – Voter Identification Card – Property Tax Receipt – Housing Rental Contract – Bank Statement)
The Secretary of State’s Web site has information on registration and photo IDs at showit2vote.com.
In Buchanan County, a special election is scheduled August 8. The last day to register for that election in July 12.