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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: THURSDAY, MARCH 29, 2012

Clay Applauds Judge’s Ruling Striking Down Missouri Photo ID Constitutional Amendment

Says Court Decision is a Victory for Voting Rights

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Wm. Lacy Clay (D) Missouri applaudedtoday’s ruling in Cole County Circuit Court which struck down a Missouri constitutional amendment that would have established a photo ID requirement to vote.  That measure would have appeared on the November 6^th general election ballot.

“This is a victory for voting rights and it affirms the most fundamental constitutional guarantee for every citizen in Missouri,” said the Congressman. “Today’s ruling blocks a blatant attempt to disenfranchise seniors, students, the disabled, minorities and the rural poor.  As I argued earlier this month at my Voting Rights Symposium at Harris-Stowe State University, the misleading ballot language was designed to confuse Missouri voters into approving an amendment that could have disenfranchised up to 350,000 registered voters.  I want to commend the broad coalition of citizen groups and non-profit organizations who stood with me to defend the right to vote.”

In her ruling in Cole County Circuit Court, Judge Patricia S. Joyce wrote that the ballot summary for the constitutional amendment was, “Insufficient and unfair.”  She continued, "Because significant changes are required here and policy choices need to be made as to how to reallocate the words in a revised summary statement, the Court chooses to vacate the summary statement and to provide the General Assembly an opportunity to revise it.”

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