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In Jefferson City, Missouri, a new legislative proposal is making waves as it aims to tighten the requirements for voter registration in the state. Missouri Senate Bill 986, introduced by State Senator Ben Brown of Franklin County, seeks to mandate that individuals provide documentary evidence of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote.
If passed, this bill would necessitate that all prospective voters present acceptable proof of citizenship whether they are registering in person at local election offices, through the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), or via mail. A list of specific documents deemed acceptable for proving citizenship accompanies the bill, though details of these documents were not elaborated on in the initial announcement.
Furthermore, SB 986 outlines protocols for election authorities, who would be required to inform applicants within 10 business days if their voter registration submissions are lacking the necessary citizenship documentation. Additionally, the DMV would be prohibited from processing voter registrations for individuals who fail to present the requisite proof.
Missouri Senate Bill 986, sponsored by State Sen. Ben Brown (R-Franklin County), would require proof of citizenship for anyone planning to register to vote in person at a local election authority, through the DMV, or by mail.
The bill lists a specific set of acceptable documents to prove citizenship, including:
- REAL ID
- U.S. passport
- Birth certificate showing U.S. birthplace
- Military ID plus service record showing U.S. birthplace
- Government-issued ID showing U.S. birthplace
- Naturalization certificate
- Certificate of U.S. citizenship
- American Indian “KIC” card
- Adoption decree showing U.S. birthplace
- Consular Report of Birth Abroad
Under SB 986, election authorities must notify applicants within 10 business days if a voter registration form is submitted without proof of citizenship, and the DMW would required to refuse voter registration to anyone without proper documentation.
Currently, Missouri law allows applicants to register to voter by presenting valid identification and checking a box attesting to their citizenship, but critics say the system can be exploited by individuals who falsely claim U.S. citizenship.
The proof of citizenship requirement would apply only to individuals who are not already registered to vote in Missouri.
Beyond that, SB 986 also mandates new reporting requirements for voter rolls, requiring circuit clerks to submit a monthly list to the secretary of state that contains the names of individuals who identified as non-citizens but are eligible for jury service.
Additionally, the bill emphasizes that if an election authority discovers someone who is ineligible has registered or voted, the election authority must submit an affidavit detailing facts to the Missouri Attorney General, the secretary of state or a local prosecuting attorney.
If approved by both the Missouri Senate, House and governor, the bill would take effect on August 28. The bill is currently under review in the Senate’s Local Government, Elections and Pensions Committee.