House Bill 1878 and What it Means for Missouri Voters

During the 2022 legislative session, a piece of voting legislation passed, House Bill 1878. This bill has created some changes for Missouri voters and election authorities and recently went into effect on August 28, 2022.

Below is a summary of four of those changes.

1. The bill removes all Direct Recording Electronic (DRE) Voting Equipment by 2024.

There are two types of electronic voting equipment: Direct Recording Electronic Devices (DREs) and Ballot Marking Devices (BMDs). This bill will remove Direct Recording Electronic Devices (DREs), used by one county in Missouri. All other counties in Missouri use BMDs touch screen or audio voting equipment and will not be impacted. 

2. The bill requires Missouri voters to have a non-expired photo ID in order to vote.

In previous elections, many forms of ID were acceptable when voting. Now, voters must have a non-expired photo ID to vote.

If you do not have a photo ID and want help getting one, the Secretary of State’s Office will help you for free. Visit this website to learn more. There you can find information on how to get a free photo ID and the documents needed to get an ID.

3. The bill restricts help for registering voters or completing absentee ballots.

This bill states that people cannot be paid for helping others register to vote. If someone volunteers to register more than 10 voters, they must register with the state. No one can ask a voter to fill out an absentee ballot application. Voters cannot have information pre-filled on an absentee ballot application. Organizations or people that have been able to help with these things in the past, may not be able to do so now.

4. The bill creates No Excuse Absentee Voting. 

This bill will allow voters to cast their absentee ballot up to two weeks before an election for any reason. Before, you needed a reason to vote absentee. This new law creates a two week period before an election that any voter can vote absentee. Voters will have to cast this ballot in person and with a photo ID.

If you have questions between now and Election Day, call or text 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683).

Online Chat: 866OURVOTE.org
Español: 888-VE-Y-VOTA