As many of you know, I believe that the core of our democracy is the franchise of voting. Every legislator in this body has an obligation to protect the integrity of our electoral system, so that every valid vote counts equally. Last month, I reported to you on the efforts of your General Assembly to crack down on the possibilities of voter fraud. The issue is one filled with passionate beliefs on either side of the debate.
In a similar vein, another strongly-held conviction of mine is that part of protecting electoral integrity by ensuring the opportunities for voter participation wherever possible. For example, last year we made sure our military votes counted even while they are deployed. I believe in giving voters every opportunity to vote on those items that will become law, which is why I vote yes on bills that put an item to the vote of the people. This week, though, the House considered and passed a constitutional amendment which expands participation opportunities in a different way—by bringing early voting to the citizens of Missouri, contingent upon a vote of the people later this year.
This is welcome news. We have all encountered difficulties at one point or another that make it hard to cast a vote. For some of you, it’s a strenuous work schedule and balancing that with family life. For others, it might be an untimely event in the family that you cannot reschedule that will keep you away from the voting booth. Some are simply too rushed when it comes time to vote, and others might be so swamped that it slips their mind on Election Day.
Whatever the reason may be, each citizen deserves the right to have their voices heard in a timely manner. This amendment would open up the polls on the third Saturday before Election Day, and would keep them open six days a week until the Wednesday before Election Day. This would allow voters to participate despite almost every foreseeable circumstance that might keep them away on Election Day.
Opponents have decried that the early voting period isn’t longer, and have used it as an excuse to vote against the bill. Legislating is all about the art of compromise, and those who would make the perfect the enemy of the good need to reexamine their priorities and intentions. While it does not go to 100% of where some would like it to go, it goes further than where we are now.
On balance, this amendment would make the process easier without compromising our elections—and that is a very good thing for Missouri. For those reasons, I voted yes for this bill. Now it lies in the hands of the Senate to pass onto you for your approval.
No comments:
Post a Comment