FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Contact: Liz Abram-Oldham, (573) 522-1009

Kander, Neth Announce Early Voting Legislation

Jefferson City, Mo. — Recommendations made by Secretary of State Jason Kander's Early Voting Commission were introduced today as a bill in the Missouri House of Representatives.

The bill, HB 848, was introduced by Rep. Myron Neth (R-Liberty), vice chair of the elections committee.

"Through HB 848 and election legislation proposed by others, it is my intent to ensure that voting is more secure and fair to the voters of Missouri." Neth said. "I am happy that Secretary of State Kander is being proactive on the issue of elections and is working with the legislature to improve one of our fundamental rights."

"I asked my bipartisan Early Voting Commission to advise me on a fair, secure and affordable way for eligible Missourians to vote in advance of Election Day,” Kander said. "The commission issued four recommendations, which are the basis for this legislation. Republicans and Democrats agree that early voting makes sense. I thank Representative Neth for introducing this bill, and urge the legislature to take it up and pass it this year."

The bill mirrors the recommendations of the commission report, which identified four key reforms:

1. Reform the current absentee ballot law to allow registered voters to cast absentee ballots by mail without needing to state an excuse.
2. Allow registered voters to cast early ballots on voting equipment at a central voting location prior to Election Day to replace current in-person absentee voting.
3. Create satellite voting locations during November Presidential elections.
4. Early voting lists should be kept confidential and should only be disclosed twice prior to the election.

The cost of implementing these reforms will be fully funded by the state. The bill includes a provision ensuring that if the state doesn't pay, the measures cannot be put into effect.

You can access the language of the bill here.

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