A Missouri law requiring voters to present government-issued photo identification at polling places has been upheld by Cole County Circuit Judge Jon Beetem. The judge ruled on Tuesday that the law is constitutional, affirming measures designed to ensure secure elections.
Background of the Law
The voter photo ID requirement was enacted following a 2016 constitutional amendment approved by Missouri voters. The amendment allowed state lawmakers to implement stricter voter identification rules, culminating in the current law.
Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft, a Republican, lauded the decision, stating, “To maintain a secure system for voting, it only stands to reason that a photo ID should be essential.” Proponents argue that the law helps deter voter fraud and boosts public confidence in election integrity.
Provisions and Challenges
Under the law, voters without valid photo identification can cast provisional ballots. These ballots are only counted if the voter provides acceptable ID later on the same day or if election officials verify their signatures.
Critics, including the NAACP and the League of Women Voters, argue that the requirement creates unnecessary barriers, particularly for older voters, people with disabilities, and others who may struggle to obtain up-to-date government-issued IDs. They also contend that the provisional ballot process increases the risk of disenfranchisement.
Legal Dispute and Ruling
The Missouri NAACP, League of Women Voters, and individual voters filed a lawsuit in 2022 to overturn the law. They alleged it imposed substantial burdens on certain voters and created barriers to accessing the ballot box.
Judge Beetem initially dismissed the case, stating that the plaintiffs did not demonstrate specific harm. When the case was revised to include another voter, Beetem again ruled in favor of the law, emphasizing that evidence presented during the trial showed provisional ballot rejection rates were low.
“Their claim that their provisional ballots may be rejected is purely speculative,” Beetem wrote in his ruling. He concluded that the law protects voting rights by mitigating voter fraud risks.
Reactions to the Decision
Voting rights advocates expressed disappointment and announced plans to appeal the decision. Marilyn McLeod, president of the Missouri League of Women Voters, stated, “The League believes the state should be making it easier, not harder, for Missourians to exercise their fundamental right to vote. There’s no evidence of voter impersonation in Missouri, so these restrictions don’t make our elections any safer or more secure.”
