Missouri’s House and Senate approved legislation during the spring legislative session to ensure safe, secure elections with timely, accurate results.

Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft is now embarking on a statewide campaign to educate and inform Missourians of the election law changes that took place with the passage of HB 1878.

The new legislation has many components, including a Voter ID requirement. On Election Day, a voter is required to show a valid government-issued ID or cast a provisional ballot.

Examples of valid photo ID include: Missouri driver license, U.S. passport or military ID. Other changes in the law will allow for two weeks of no-excuse in-person absentee voting; allow the secretary of state to audit voter rolls; require the use of hand-marked paper ballots rather than electronic voting machines; mandate the use of air-gapped election equipment that prevents the possibility of electronic manipulation, and require all election authorities or political subdivisions to have cybersecurity reviews.

If a registered voter in Missouri does not have a government-issued ID, the secretary of state’s office will help the individual acquire documents needed to obtain a non-driver license for voting purposes at no charge.

To avoid any misrepresentation or confusion, Ashcroft will be traveling the state talking about the new law. As well, public service announcements will begin in September to inform voters about the changes. Though several modifications were made to the voting law, the primary message of the “Go Vote Missouri” campaign will focus on the ID component, with emphasis placed on the campaign slogan — “If you’re registered — you can vote on Election Day.”

If a registered voter does not have an ID, they can cast a provisional ballot on that day.