The Missouri House of Representatives approved a bill that would require photo identification to vote.
However, at least one representative is doubtful House Bill (HB) 1878 will be enacted.
“Historically, voter identification laws, and this one doesn't look any different than the ones that we’ve had in the past, wind up in the courts and are found unconstitutional,” said Rep. Doug Clemens (D-St. Louis).
Although the measure was approved 96-35, Clemens expects a civil rights organization to file a lawsuit that would land the amendment in the courts.
“The usual suspects are waiting in the wings,” he said. “I'm sure the NAACP, the Women's League of Voters, and a whole host of folks that lookout to make sure that people aren't disenfranchised in the state of Missouri will come together.”
For example, in 2016, voters amended the Constitution to allow lawmakers to require photo identification when voting, but the Missouri Supreme Court in 2020 blocked it, according to media reports.
“We're talking about a fundamental right, which means when the Missouri Supreme Court looks at a fundamental right, they put the most stringent guides in place before making a decision,” said Clemens. “With anything that could interfere with a fundamental right, the court falls to the side of being more liberal and allowing people to exercise that right as opposed to restricting it.”
Rep. John Simmons (R-Krakow) sponsored the proposal.
“It's an election year and folks want to say to that they are trying to protect voter rights and the integrity of our elections,” Clemens added. “That's the language that's being used across the board. The same holds true with a number of abortion laws and gun laws.”
Clemens didn’t get a chance to speak about the proposal because debate was cut short.
“Rep. Peter Meredith and Rep. Kevin Windham spoke on it and a host of other folks,” he said. “About 10 Democrats got to say something on the floor before we stopped. Democrats across the board were firmly opposed and the vote broke by party line.”
HB 1878 will now move to the Senate, according to Clemens.
“The Senate actually has similar legislation,” he added.