JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- The Republican-led Missouri House advanced a new effort to require voters to show photo identification at polling places. On Thursday, the House approved a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow a photo ID requirement. Lawmakers then endorsed legislation to implement it. Both measures now move to the state Senate.
Lawmakers considered enacting a photo ID requirement for voters several times in recent years. Debate generally split along partisan lines. Republicans now control a veto-proof supermajority in both the House and the Senate.
Supporters of a photo ID requirement say it would help prevent voter fraud and protect legitimate votes. Critics say Missouri has not had recent incidents of voter fraud and the requirement could make it more difficult for some people to cast ballots.
The proposed constitutional amendment would go to a public vote at a statewide general election, probably in August or November 2014.
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LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- A Senate panel advanced legislation that would require Arkansas voters to show photo identification before they can cast a ballot. The Senate State Agencies and Governmental Affairs Committee on Thursday approved a voter ID bill proposed by Sen. Bryan King, R - Green Forest.
The proposal would let voters cast a provisional ballot if they don't have an ID. For their vote to be counted, they must show an ID to county election officials by the following Monday or sign an affidavit stating they can't show an ID because they're indigent or for religious reasons.
State law already requires poll workers to ask voters for identification. Voters can still cast a ballot without showing ID.
The Senate likely will vote on the bill next week.
