COLUMBIA — In the next six months, there's a good chance you'll be asked to sign a petition that seeks to put early voting on the November 2010 ballot.
Secretary of State Robin Carnahan approved the initiative for circulation, and state law requires the number of signatures be equivalent to 5 percent of the total number of votes cast in the 2008 governor’s election in six of Missouri’s nine congressional districts. The petition must be submitted to the secretary of state by 5 p.m. May 2, 2010.
Jo Sapp, a member of the League of Women Voters, submitted the initiative, which would allow voters to cast ballots in person prior to Election Day without being required to give a reason.
Carnahan, who has openly supported early voting, said the measure would cost the state $1.17 million in fiscal 2012. Proponents say it would make voting more accessible and convenient for many people, including those who work every day. Opponents say there are already enough measures in place to allow people to vote outside of Election Day, including absentee voting.
But if this initiative receives enough signatures by the deadline, it will be on the November 2010 ballot.
Would you support early voting if it were on the ballot?