Governor Jay Nixon (D) has vetoed a bill that would require Missourians to show a photo ID to vote. It would also require the state pay for photo IDs for those that don’t have one and for any supporting documentation, like a birth certificate.
Governor Jay Nixon (photo; Mike Lear, Missourinet)
Nixon says the measure would make it more difficult for Missourians to vote.
“This legislation is such an affront to Missourians’ fundamental right to vote that it requires that our Constitution be amended for its voter suppression provisions to become effective,” says Nixon. “Making voting more difficult for qualified voters and disenfranchising certain classes of people is wrong.”
Senator Will Kraus (R-Lee’s Summit) sponsored the measure.
“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.
The legislature’s veto session is September 14.
