Missouri Advisory Opinions January 01, 2011: MO Att. Gen. Op. 111-2011

Advisory Opinion Text

Review and approval of legal content and form of a fair ballot language prepared pursuant to § 116.025, RSMo, concerning a proposed constitutional amendment passed by the Missouri General Assembly (Senate Joint Resolution No. 2) relating to elections.

Attorney General of Missouri
JEFFERSON CITY
65102
June 24, 2011

CHRIS KOSTER
ATTORNEY GENERAL

P. O. BOX 899
(573) 751-3321

Hoeco**

OPINION LETTER NO. 111-2011

Honorable Robin Carnahan

Missouri Secretary of State

James C. Kirkpatrick State Information Center

600 West Main Street

Jefferson City, MO 65101

Dear Secretary Carnahan:

You have submitted a proposed fair ballot language statement for the initiative petition submitted by the General Assembly relating to elections. The fair ballot language statement, prepared pursuant to § 116.025, RSMo, is as follows:

A "yes" vote will amend the Missouri Constitution to allow the General Assembly to provide by general law for advance voting in person prior to election day, restrictions on the forms of permissible voter identification which may include requiring valid government-issued photo identification, and voter requirements based on whether one appears to vote in person or by absentee ballot.

A "no" vote will not change the current constitutional provisions regarding elections.

If passed, this measure will have no impact on taxes.

Pursuant to § 116.025, RSMo, we approve the legal content and form of the proposed fair ballot language statement.

Because our review of the fair ballot language statement is mandated by statute, no action we take with respect to such review should be construed as an endorsement of the joint resolution, nor as the expression of any view regarding the objectives of its proponents.

CHRIS KOSTER

Attorney General