Senator pushes stronger Missouri voter photo ID requirements

See Related Stories

Intro:	Critics blasted a Missouri's senators voting ID bill as "unconstitutional" on Monday.
RunTime:	0:37
OutCue:	SOC

Wrap: The proposed bill would require Missouri voters to present a valid photo ID when voting.

Critics charged at a hearing citing a similar law was struck down in 2006 because it disenfranchises voter's right and ability to vote.

The bill's sponsor, Republican Jackson County Senator Will Kraus, says the bill protects everyone's right to vote.

Actuality:	KRAUS01.WAV
Run Time:	00:07
Description: "We've had elections, Senator, in this state, that have been very narrow. I wanted to make sure that those people, one man one vote, and that's what we're doing here."

Kraus says the bill differs from previous attempts to the law becuase it accounts for those who do not have or cannot afford an I.D.

Reporting from the Capitol, I'm Christine Roto.

Intro:	A Missouri senator's bill that revisits a previous voter ID law caught opposition Monday.
RunTime:	0:00
OutCue:	SOC

Wrap: Republican Jackson County Senator Will Kraus says he has adjusted the bill to account for those with special circumstances who do not have a Missouri ID.

One change states that Missouri residents born before 1941 can receive a provisional ballot.

St. Louis lawyer Denise Lieberman says her own mother will be disenfranchised by the bill.

Actuality:	DNLB02.WAV
Run Time:	00:12
Description: "Even if she falls into one of the laws exemptions, unfortunately for her, a severe hand tremor prevents her from duplicating her signature, and that provisional ballot will not be counted."

The bill provides that all costs are covered by the state for those who do not have an ID or cannot afford one.

Reporting from the Capitol, I'm Christine Roto.

Intro:	A Republican Missouri senator's voter ID proposal was met with opposition Monday.
RunTime:	0:36
OutCue:	SOC

Wrap: A Cole County Circuit judge struck down a Missouri voter ID law in 2006 for being unconstitutional.

St. Louis area lawyer Denise Lieberman says the state courts did so for a reason.

Actuality:	DNLB01.WAV
Run Time:	00:08
Description: "As lawmakers, you have an obligation to ensure that voting is accessible...that it is not harder than it needs to be."

The bill's sponsor, Jackson County Republican Senator Will Kraus says he's accounted for those who may feel dienfranchised by the bill.

The bill provides that all costs are covered by the state for those who do not have an ID or cannot afford one.

Reporting from the Capitol, I'm Christine Roto.

Intro:
RunTime:	0:0
OutCue:	SOC

Wrap: