Majority party blocks Rep. Dunn’s plan to allow no-excuse absentee voting
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – House Republicans today blocked Democratic efforts to increase voter access and participation by authorizing Missourians to cast no-excuse absentee ballots during the existing absentee voting period of six weeks prior to an election.
During debate on legislation relating to the counting of absentee ballots, state Rep. Randy Dunn, D-Kansas City, offered an amendment to authorize no-excuse absentee voting. Majority Republicans defeated Dunn’s proposal on a vote of 101-41. The vote came on near-partisan lines with all Democrats supporting no-excuse absentee voting and all but one Republican opposing it.
“Our democratic system is at its strongest when voter participation is high,” Dunn said. “Allowing voters to cast an absentee ballot for any reason they see fit is a simple and effective way to improve voter turnout and ensure that more Missourians have a say in their government.”
Under existing law, voters can legally cast an absentee ballot only if they sign an affidavit swearing that they have a statutorily authorized reason for doing so, such as they plan to be out of state on Election Day. Dunn’s amendment simply would allow any voter to cast an absentee ballot without offering a reason.
“I am disappointed the majority party opposes this common-sense proposal to make voting easier and more accessible for more Missourians,” Dunn said.
Dunn’s offered his amendment to House Bill 1480.
