Voter ID Update

Sorry for the delay in posting, folks. It has been a busy week. But let's get to business.

Let's first update everybody on the Voter ID Law. Last week, a local judge ruled against the law.

Missouri's new voter ID law was found unconstitutional Thursday by Cole County Circuit Judge Richard Callahan.

Senate Bill 1014, signed into law June 14 by Gov. Matt Blunt, required Missourians to show a valid federal or state-issued photo ID to vote this November.

Callahan had combined two lawsuits challenging the law: One claimed the voter ID rule violates the Hancock Amendment against unfunded mandates, the other claiming that the law placed an unconstitutional burden on thousands of Missourians without photo identification. The case is expected to eventually go to the state Supreme Court.

In a statement late Thursday, Missouri Secretary of State Robin Carnahan said, "I am pleased with Judge Callahan's ruling to stop the photo ID law, signed in June by Governor Blunt, from going into effect for the November election. This ruling affirms my concern that the law clearly
jeopardizes the constitutional voting rights of many Missourians."

IF the judge's decision stands, student voters will not be required to show a state-issued photo ID in order to vote. Nevertheless, we along with the Democratic campaigns are staying cautious. The ruling is being appealed to the Missouri Supreme Court and it is possible it will be reinstated before the election. We are still advising all students to obtain a state-issued ID if possible. Requirements include a birth certificate and a social security card or some other form of proof of residency. For detailed information, please contact the elections division of office of the MO Secretary of State.

Please note, however, that in the event the law is reinstated and you are unable to obtain a state-issued ID, you can still vote with a provisional ballot, provided you have some type of photo ID. We are told that the ballots have a 90% chance of being counted, so don't be discouraged to go and vote. Additionally, should you be unable to vote in person on election day, due to legitimate commitments that prevent you from voting, you may request to vote absentee from the local elections office. Absentee voting does not require a state-issued ID.

Nationally, voter ID laws are also making the news due to the efforts of the Republican House of Representatives to pass such legislation nationally. Luckily, the legislation would still have to get past the Senate and the White House and would not go into effect until 2010.

But while such requirements certainly pose an obstacle, we do want to reiterate that students can and should vote in November. If you are not registered in Missouri and would like to vote in-state (provided, of course, that you are a Wash U. student) you can download the forms here.