An ititiative petition relating to early voting has been approved for circulation. If approved by Missourians, the measure would allow early voting for one week before election day. Missourians can get their votes in early now but only through no-excuse absentee ballot. An initiative petition approved by the Secretary of State’s Office would change that if enough signatures are collected and voters approve the measure in November.

Spokeswoman Laura Egerdal says proponents of the petition will need to get about 92,ooo valid signatures by May 2. Approximately 15,000 in six of the nine congressional districts will need to be collected, and then validated.

Egerdal says nearly a hundred initiative petitions have been submitted to the Secretary of State’s Office. She urges voters to be informed — all of the petitions can be viewed on the SOS Web site.

The early voting measure would mandate polls be open to accept ballots a week before election day, including weekend hours.

Jessica Machetta reports [1:14]



Missourinet