In order to protect both the health and the voting rights of citizens during the COVID-19 pandemic, members of the General Assembly approved legislation that will allow extended absentee voting by mail for the 2020 elections. Governor Mike Parson recently signed the bill into law, saying it “provides Missourians with a safe and secure way to vote while still safeguarding our elections and ballot process.”

The legislation will allow any registered voter worried about exposure to COVID-19 to cast a mail-in ballot during the 2020 elections. Registered voters will have to request a mail-in voter application in person or by mail before receiving their 2020 mail-in absentee ballot. To prevent voter fraud, the mail-in option also includes the requirement that voters submit a notarized statement under penalty of perjury with their ballot. Additionally, to prevent ballot harvesting, voters will need to return their notarized mail-in ballot in an envelope postmarked by U.S. Mail.

Parson said the mail-in option provides a safe, secure, and legal way for Missourians to vote during the pandemic. 

Parson said, “We are not against voting by mail for people who have a reason. 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.” 

The bill also expands the existing absentee ballot system to allow absentee ballots for those who are in an at-risk category for contracting or transmitting COVID-19. This would include individuals who are sixty-five years of age or older; live in a licensed long-term care facility; have chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma; have serious heart conditions; are immunocompromised; have diabetes; have chronic kidney disease and are undergoing dialysis; or have liver disease. Voters who use this option will not need a notarized statement with their ballot.

“Any Missourian affected by COVID-19 should still be able to vote, including those who are sick or considered at-risk,” said Parson.

Both of the mail-in voting provisions contained in the bill will expire on December 31, 2020. 

The bill also contains other provisions dealing with the following areas:

•Investigative powers for the Secretary of State

•Candidate filing fees

•Political activities by state employees

•Financial interest statements

•Secretary of State’s Technology Trust Fund

As always, if we can ever be of any assistance to you at your state Capitol, please do not hesitate to contact us at 573-751-1344 or toll free at 855-440-4985.  You may also reach my Legislative Assistant, Diane, at diane.lindsay@house.mo.gov.

May God bless you!

Tom Hurst

State Representative

District 62