Cole County Circuit Judge Jon Beetem ruled on Tuesday that Missouri’s law requiring voters to show government-issued photo identification is constitutional. The law was made possible by a 2016 voter-approved constitutional amendment allowing lawmakers to enact photo ID requirements. Missouri Republican Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft praised the ruling, stating that having a photo ID is essential to maintain a secure voting system.
Supporters of the law argue that requiring photo ID prevents voter fraud and boosts public confidence in election results. However, voting rights advocates contend that obtaining proper identification can be challenging, especially for older voters and those with disabilities. In Missouri, individuals without government-issued photo IDs can cast provisional ballots, which will be counted if they return with a photo ID the same day or if their signatures are verified by election officials. The state must also provide free photo identification cards to those without one.
Various groups, including the NAACP and League of Women Voters, sued to overturn the law, citing obstacles voters face in obtaining government-issued photo IDs. Despite their concerns, Judge Beetem found that the individual plaintiffs were able to successfully vote since the law went into effect, leading him to conclude that the law’s photo ID requirements protect the fundamental right to vote by deterring voter fraud.
Lawyers for the plaintiffs plan to appeal the ruling, arguing that the law makes it harder for Missourians to exercise their right to vote without evidence of voter impersonation in the state. The law also allows for in-person voting for any reason two weeks before an election, a compromise negotiated by Senate Democrats.
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