House Passes Photo ID Measures

The Missouri House gave final approval Thursday to two measures requiring voters to show photo identification before casting a ballot. The first measure, a joint resolution sponsored by Representative Tony Dugger, a Republican from Hartville, would ask voters this year to amend the state constitution to require photo identification. That measure passed the House 116-to-40. The second measure is a bill that dictates how the amendment would be enforced. To go into effect, the bill would have to be signed by Governor Jay Nixon, a Democrat. If he vetoes the bill, the Legislature would have to override Nixon. The bill passed with enough support to override a potential veto. The bill carves out some exemptions. People with physical or mental disabilities, people born before 1946 and people with religious beliefs against photo identification would not be required to show photo ID.