Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, who represents Missouri’s fifth district, says he’s worried voter ID laws in other states will suppress voting in Missouri.
Missouri voters don’t have to present a photo identification at the polls. But Cleaver says all the discussion of voter ID laws around the country has confused some of his constituents.
He says they’ve been contacting his office to ask how to obtain an ID.
“We could have a drop off from seniors who believe that they need government issued ID and don’t have it,” Cleaver said.
Cleaver says he now discusses Missouri voter ID requirements at every campaign stop. He’s enlisted ministers to help spread the word, that all forms of identification used for years in Missouri, still work this election.
“If we are unable to get this word out it will do some damage. I think we will have a lot of seniors who will stay home because they don’t have a voter ID, and believe they cannot vote without it,” Cleaver said.
A current bank statement, utility bill or paycheck still works in the show me state.
Kansas has recently implemented some of the most stringent voter ID requirements in the nation.