Missouri governor signs absentee voting bill

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

Gov. Mike Parson signed a bill into law Thursday that would allow voters to request an absentee ballot for elections this year.

A mail-in absentee ballot is only an option for voters who specifically request one. Under the law, ballots must be returned and received in an envelope postmarked by U.S. Mail by 7 p.m. on election day. 

“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,” Parson said. “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.” 

The bill also includes a provision giving voters who have contracted or are at risk of contracting COVID-19 the option to cast an absentee ballot without notarization. That provision expires December 31. 

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