Governor signs SB 631 into law requiring notarized request for mail-in absentee ballot

Posted 6/10/20

JEFFERSON CITY — Gov. Mike Parson on June 4 took security measures to safeguard the election process and protect Missouri voters during COVID-19 by signing SB 631 into law.

“Any …

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Governor signs SB 631 into law requiring notarized request for mail-in absentee ballot

Posted

JEFFERSON CITY — Gov. Mike Parson on June 4 took security measures to safeguard the election process and protect Missouri voters during COVID-19 by signing SB 631 into law.

“Any Missourian affected by COVID-19 should still be able to vote, including those who are sick or considered at-risk,” Parson said in a statement released by his office. “I applaud Senator Dan Hegeman, Representative Dan Shaul, and the rest of the legislature for taking this important step, which provides Missourians with a safe and secure way to vote while still safeguarding our elections and ballot process.”

Under SB 631, a mail-in absentee ballot will only be an option for voters who specifically request one. To prevent voter fraud and ballot harvesting, voters must also submit a notarized statement under penalty of perjury with their ballot. Ballots must be returned and received in an envelope postmarked by U.S. Mail by 7 p.m. on election day.

By requiring a signature verification, this provision reduces the opportunity for individuals to fraudulently cast another voter’s ballot and provides a safe, secure, and legal way for Missourians to vote during the pandemic.

“I fully agree with President Trump’s position and do not support any plan to expand mass mail-in voting without a reason,” said Parson. “This only enables voter fraud and ballot harvesting, and I am proud to sign this bill to stop that process from happening in our state.”

SB 631 also includes a provision giving voters who have contracted or are at-risk of contracting COVID-19 the option to cast an absentee ballot without notarization. Both provisions will expire on Dec 31.

“We are not against voting by mail for people who have a reason,” he said. “Our current law allows for that, and this bill allows for that. What we are against, and what President Trump is against, is voting absentee without a reason and without a signature verification. That is a non-secure way to handle voting absentee, as is ballot harvesting. Signing SB 631 ensures this will not happen in the state of Missouri.”

AB 631 also includes modifications to:

• investigative powers for the Secretary of State;

• candidate filing fees;

• political activities by state employees;

•financial interest statements; and,

• the Secretary of State’s Technology Trust Fund.