By Antonio D. French
Filed Saturday, February 18 at 6:46 AM
In response to Republican calls for requiring photo identification at the time of voting, Secretary of State Robin Carnahan has unveiled a set of proposed legislative initiatives to reduce voter fraud and make voting easier for Missourians.
The "Election Protection Act" sponsored by Sen. Maida Coleman (D-5) and Rep. John Bowman (D-70) which would:
1 - Increase the maximum penalty from five to 15 years imprisonment for those who commit voter fraud by misrepresenting themselves at the polls
2 - Increase oversight of voter registration organizers
3 - Provide online training for voter registration gatherers
4 - Increase the maximum penalty from seven to 15 years imprisonment for those who misrepresent themselves on a voter registration application
5 - Increase the maximum penalty from five to 15 years imprisonment for persons committing absentee voter fraud
---
"Advance Missouri 2006" sponsored by Sen. Rita Days (D-14) and Rep. Bob Johnson (R-47) which would:
1 - Allow Missourians to vote in person prior to Election Day without an excuse
2 - Provide advance voting for a two-week period at one central location in all areas and additional "satellite" voting locations in larger jurisdictions
3 - Protect privacy voter privacy by restricting access to and use of absentee and advance voter lists by political parties and candidates
4 - Reduce the potential to cheat by reducing lines and large crowds on Election Day
---
The "Initiative Petition Integrity Act" sponsored by Sen. Joan Bray (D-24) and Rep. Rachel Storch (D-64), which would increase the penalty from a class A misdemeanor to a class D felony for people who forge names on petitions.
---
The "Election Worker Incentive Act" sponsored by Sen. Yvonne Wilson (D-9) and Rep. Beth Low (D-39), which would establish a tax credit for those who serve as poll workers.
Secretary Carnahan said she is also calling on the General Assembly to fund a current election law provision that provides transaction fees to help local election authorities keep clean voter lists. She says this fee will help ensure that local election authorities keep voting lists current and accurate. "My goal is to make it as easy as possible to vote and as hard as possible to cheat," said Carnahan.
Jo Mannies of the Post-Dispatch says the Democrats have threatened to filibuster the Republican photo ID requirement.
1 Comments:
Yeah, thats good to hear!
11:04 AM, February 18, 2006
Post a Comment
<< Home