Casting votes in MO Could be MORE challenging: We need the voices of our community!!
Posted on May 03, 2011 by Kelly Moffatt
A lot has been going on in our state government during this legislative session. One of these very important issues affecting the disability community is the fact that the legislature seems to be headed toward approving legislation to require a government issued photo ID for people to vote at the polls on Election Day.
If a person does not have a valid government issued photo ID they will be asked to vote a provisional ballot and that ballot will only be counted if the signature on file with the election board matches the signature provided on Election Day.
You May be thinking…..why is this a barrier????
- For some people with disabilities, it is a challenge to produce a consistent signature, which would match their original voter registration card and thus be considered valid.
- It will disenfranchise voters. Over 240,000 current Missouri voters lack the very strict form of photo ID required by the proposal.
- It is unnecessary. Missouri already requires all voters to show ID at the polls and this works. There has never been one instance of voter impersonation fraud in the state.
- It is expensive. $20 million to implement.
- It is irresponsible. In the midst of a severe budget crisis requiring cuts to essential services, it is irresponsible to spend millions of dollars to for an ineffective solution to a non-existent problem that will serve to disenfranchise hundreds of thousands of eligible voters - especially senior citizens, the working poor, students, people with disabilities and voters of color.
PLEASE CONTACT US NOW WITH YOUR STORY!!
- If you or someone you know does not have a government issued photo ID
- Tell us barriers you have experienced getting a government issued photo ID
CALL or E-mail Kelly Moffatt
(314) 289-4269 or kmoffatt@paraquad.org