Parson Signs Voter ID Bill

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During a signing ceremony at the State Capitol on Wednesday, June 29, Governor Mike Parson signed five pieces of legislation into law, including House Bill 1878, which modifies Missouri's election laws to strengthen election processes and voter confidence.

HB 1878 strengthens our election processes and gives Missourians confidence that their voices are being accurately and securely recorded at the ballot box - Governor Mike Parson

“2020 and years prior, Missouri has conducted free, fair, and secure elections, but with changing technologies and new emerging threats, we want to ensure they remain that way,” Parson said. “HB 1878 strengthens our election processes and gives Missourians confidence that their voices are being accurately and securely recorded at the ballot box.”

HB 1878 modifies provisions regarding election law by requiring all registered voters in Missouri to provide a photo ID to vote, and repeals the use of mail-in ballots while allowing certain absentee ballots, strengthening the integrity of each citizen's vote.

Additionally, HB 1878 makes several other modifications to state statute:

  • Clarifies when voter rolls can be audited by the Secretary of State;

  • Allows no excuse absentee voting in person at the local election authority starting two weeks prior to the election;

  • Prohibits the use of ballot drop boxes for absentee ballots;

  • Makes the paper ballot the official ballot and prohibits the use of electronic vote counting machines after January 1, 2024;

  • Prevents local election authorities from accepting private donations, with limited exceptions;

  • Requires all electronic voting machines to be "air gapped" or not directly connected to the internet; and

  • Adds several other provisions related to elections.

Representative Josh Hurlbert commented on HB 1878 on May 26 during an interview on Kearney Live: “To me the most important part of it was the reinstitution of voter ID,” said Hurlbert. “It’s not a hardship on voters; we will actually provide you the ID for free as a state. We don’t want it to be a barrier to voting. We just want you to be who you say you are.”

KPGZ News - Brian Watts contributed to this story