Capitol Report

Greetings my friends, neighbors, and constituents of the State of Missouri’s 155th District. We had a busy week in Jefferson City. I think most people agree that this upcoming election will be one of the most important in the history of our state and country. There were a great deal of questions and concerns regarding election integrity in Missouri. The week we addressed those concerns with HB 2140. 

 

Improving Missouri’s Electoral Process

 

The Missouri House of Representatives has taken a significant step towards improving election procedures with the passage of HB 2140. This legislation addresses various aspects of the electoral process, from updating filing dates for candidacy declarations to enhancing protections for election officials. The bill also introduces measures aimed at safeguarding the integrity of absentee voting and expands access to provisional ballots.

 

These provisional changes will help improve election administration, clarify procedures, and provide additional protections for election officials, all while contributing to the integrity and efficiency of our electoral process. These reforms are necessary to streamline our election procedures, enhance transparency, and protect the rights of voters.

 

Here is a breakdown of the key provisions and changes proposed in the bill:

- Notification of Elections via Email: The bill allows the officer or agency responsible for calling an election to notify the election authority via email.

- Changes to Filing Dates for Declaration of Candidacy: The bill alters the opening and closing dates for filing a declaration of candidacy for offices in political subdivisions or special districts.

- In-Person Voting for Covered Voters: Covered voters, including those eligible to register to vote, interstate former residents, and new residents, may now vote at the office of the election authority on Election Day for presidential and vice presidential electors.

- Confidentiality of Lists of Absentee Voters with Permanent Disabilities: The bill specifies that lists of absentee voters with permanent disabilities shall be kept confidential and not be publicly displayed or shown to unauthorized persons.

- Signature Verification for Absentee Ballots: Election authorities are required to compare the signature on the absentee ballot envelope with the signature on the voter's registration record. Inconsistent signatures will result in rejection of the ballot.

- Expansion of Provisional Ballots: Provisional ballots, previously available only at elections with federal or statewide candidates or measures, are now available at any public election.

- New Election Offenses and Penalties: Threatening or harassing election officials, attempting to pressure them to violate election laws, and doxxing them or their families are designated as election offenses, with varying degrees of severity.

- Extension of Electioneering Restrictions: Restrictions on electioneering activities, previously applicable only near polling locations on Election Day, are extended to locations where in-person absentee voting occurs during the absentee voting period. Circulating initiative and referendum petitions are also added to the list of prohibited activities near polling locations.

- Creation of Missouri Elections Sovereignty Act: This act reserves the right for the State of Missouri to determine the time, place, and manner of its state elections, asserting that federal laws regulating elections shall apply only to federal elections.

 

The passage of HB 2140 underscores our commitment to ensuring fair and secure elections in Missouri.. This bill represents a significant step forward in safeguarding the rights of voters and upholding the integrity of our democratic process.

 

I am looking forward to the rest of the Session and getting work done that represents the core values of our District. If you have any questions, concerns or comments please feel free to call the office at 573-751-2042 or email us at Travis.Smith@house.mo.gov

God bless you, the state of Missouri and the United States of America.