A decade ago, Missouri Republicans began their quest to require voters to present a government-issued photo ID before casting a ballot. Every time they’ve gotten close to succeeding, something has come along to put the kibosh on the idea — either a court ruling, a Democratic filibuster or Gov. Jay Nixon’s veto pen. GOP leaders believe they’ll take the first step toward finally putting the issue to rest when they return to the Capitol next month to consider whether to override Nixon’s latest veto of a voter ID bill. Then in November, voters will weigh in on an amendment to the state constitution allowing a voter ID law, a necessary second step in the process because the Missouri Supreme Court previously declared voter ID laws unconstitutional. “I’m very confident,” said Rep. Justin Alferman, a Gasconade County Republican who sponsored the voter ID bill this year. “A lot of work and compromise went into this year’s bill, and I don’t think the Democrats are going to fight this very hard.”
Compromise or not, Alferman’s hopes of Democrat complacency may not prove accurate. “There will be a lot said about this bill when we get back to Jefferson City,” said state Sen. Kiki Curls, a Kansas City Democrat, hinting at a possible filibuster. “Nothing is being ruled out at this point,” she added. “It’s a serious issue, and all options are on the table. It won’t be a quick vote where we all just immediately sit down.”
The Missouri debate is playing out as voter ID laws face new scrutiny around the country. Federal courts in North Carolina, North Dakota, Texas and Wisconsin have struck down all or parts of voter ID laws in those states over the last two months.
In each case, the courts dismissed the main argument made by proponents of voter ID laws: that they are necessary to prevent voter fraud. The judges weren’t buying it, noting that the type of fraud voter ID laws aim to prevent — in-person voter fraud — is exceedingly rare.
Full Article: Missouri voter ID law once again stirring controversy as veto override possibility looms | The Kansas City Star.