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MO HB638

MO HB638
Modifies provisions relating to election oversight


summary

Introduced
01/08/2025
In Committee
04/08/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
05/16/2025

Introduced Session

2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

Modifies provisions relating to election oversight

AI Summary

This bill modifies Missouri election laws to expand the rights of election challengers and watchers from political parties. The bill allows party chairs to designate challengers and watchers who can be present at polling places during election day and, in first-class and charter counties, during the entire absentee voting period. Challengers and watchers must be registered voters in the jurisdiction where they are serving and must meet the same qualifications as election judges. They must provide official designation forms to local election authorities at least four business days before entering a polling location, and these authorities will verify their eligibility. Challengers can challenge voter identification and report potential election law violations to election judges or authorities, while watchers can observe vote counting and remain present until all election materials are processed and secured. The bill also specifies that watchers cannot report on who has or has not voted, and party chairs can substitute challengers and watchers before the election if needed. This legislation aims to increase transparency and oversight in the election process by giving political parties more opportunities to monitor voting and ballot counting activities.

Committee Categories

Government Affairs

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Reported Do Pass (H) - AYES: 8 NOES: 0 PRESENT: 0 (on 04/08/2025)

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