Proposed Photo ID Legislation FAILS in Missouri

Proposed Photo ID Legislation Failed in Missouri
Submitted by davidswanson on Sat, 2008-05-17 11:37.

Constitutional Change to Restrict Voting Rights Faced
Groundswell of Opposition from Across the State


JEFFERSON CITY, MO – In a victory for all voters, Missouri lawmakers ended this year’s legislative session without a final vote on legislation that could have prevented up to 240,000 Missourians from voting. The proposed change would have altered Missouri’s constitution, allowing for strict citizenship and government-issued photo ID requirements that would make Missouri one of the toughest states in the country for eligible, law-abiding citizens to register to vote or cast a ballot.

“I am relieved that I will be able to vote this fall,” said Lillie Lewis, a St. Louis city resident, “I’ve been voting in every election since I can remember, but if I needed my birth certificate, that would be the end of that. I hope this is the last we hear of this nonsense.” Lillie Lewis was born in Mississippi, but the state sent her a letter stating they have no record of her birth.

Birdell Owen, a Missouri resident who was displaced by hurricane Katrina, also voiced her relief. “I should be able to participate in my democracy,” she said, “even if Louisiana can’t get me a copy of my birth certificate. I’m glad Missouri politicians had the sense to protect my right to vote.”

As the bill began to move, a broad coalition of groups and voters across the state worked to educate citizens and legislators about the negative impact of such policy changes on real voters. Missourians for Fair Elections reports over 4,200 calls were made to lawmakers in the past two weeks urging them to not consider this legislation. Catholic organizations, such as the Franciscan Sisters of Saint Mary, and the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas issued statements voicing deep concerns with the legislation. The AARP, League of Women Voters, labor organizations, disability advocates, community organizations and progressive leaders worked around the clock for the past two weeks to make sure the concerns of Missouri voters were heard.

more...

http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/node/33478

the late Gov. Mel Carnahan and Jean Carnahan) helped in bringing more attention to this attempt at voter suppression.

Way to go! We must keep fighting for the right to vote, everywhere, and that our votes be counted.

I am proud and honored to be the first.

And Von Spasky dropped his name from the FEC yesterday. I wonder if the two are related.

We need to watch this very, very carefully. Be assured that other GOOP dominated legislatures will try to pass a similar bill before the election. If Democrats can't fight it, then must be prepared to overcome it with increased organizing, outreach and voter registration in those areas and people most likely to be affected. The best way to put this crap to rest is to win more state legislatures and passing bills that protect voting rights...as well as beating the GOOP at this scam and making it too hard or expensive for them to use again.