Kraus announces voter ID as a top priority

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Sen. Will Kraus, R-Lee’s Summit, plans to file a joint resolution and a bill regarding voter identification Tuesday when pre-filing begins for the upcoming legislative session. Kraus said passing the joint resolution and putting the issue to a vote of the people is a key step in preventing voter fraud in the state.

“It is important that we allow Missourians to make a decision on an issue as vital as preventing voter fraud,” Kraus said. “Voters need to have a say in protecting our elections process, which is the foundation of our democracy.”

The joint resolution will put a constitutional amendment allowing the general assembly to institute a voter identification requirement to a statewide vote if passed by both the Senate and House of Representatives. A similar resolution was approved by the House of Representatives in 2015 and has broad support in the Senate, including Senate leadership, Kraus said.

Kraus said photo identification requirement is a practical way to protect the integrity of elections.

“You need a photo ID to do almost anything—to drive, to open a bank account, to receive public assistance,” Kraus said. “It’s common sense that you would need one to vote, so that we can verify that you are the person you say you are.”

Kraus, who is running for secretary of state in 2016, will also introduce a bill to implement the photo identification requirement and structuring its implementation.