Beginning with the November 2022 election Missouri voters will have to show a PHOTO IDENTIFICATION to cast a regular ballot.  This is a result of a law signed Wednesday, June 29, 2022 by Governor Mike Parson that caps a nearly two-decade long push by many Republicans for stricter voting requirements.

The new election law will also open a two-week window for people to cast absentee ballots in person without requiring them to cite a reason why they can not vote on Election Day.

This law will take effect August 28, 2022 just a few weeks after the August 2nd primary

Missouri’s measure was backed by Republican Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft. who called it “one of the strongest election laws in the country.”

Seventeen states besides Missouri had voter photo identification laws in effect as of this spring, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures, and 19 states had identification laws that accepted proof other than photos.

Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft speaks to reporters on Wednesday, June 29, 2022, at his Capitol office in Jefferson City, Mo. Ashcroft supported legislation signed into law by Gov. Mike Parson that will require a photo identification to cast a regular ballot. AP Photo/David A. Lieb)