FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, January 06, 2011
Contact: Laura Egerdal, (573) 526-0949

Initiative Petition Relating to Early Voting Approved for Circulation for 2012 Ballot

Jefferson City, Missouri - Secretary of State Robin Carnahan today announced that an initiative petition relating to early voting met state standards for circulation.

The ballot title for the petition reads:

Shall Missouri law be amended to expand options for voters by allowing them to cast ballots in person prior to federal general elections without the current absentee ballot excuse requirement?

It is estimated state government entities would reimburse election authorities for incurred costs of at least $974,016 in fiscal year 2015 (one-time costs of $676,800 and on-going costs for each federal election of $297,216). Those costs may be higher depending on the compensation, staffing and planning decisions of affected election authorities.

The petition, which would amend Chapter 115 of the Missouri Revised Statutes, was submitted by Mr. Matt Cologna; 2923 S. Chantilly Lane, Springfield, Mo. 65804; 573-424-7382.

Before any statutory changes can be brought before Missouri voters in the November 2012 election, signatures must be obtained from registered voters equal to five (5) percent of the total votes cast in the 2008 governor's election from six of the state's nine congressional districts.

Signatures on behalf of all initiative petitions for the 2012 ballot are due to the Secretary of State’s office by no later than 5 p.m. on May 6, 2012.

Before circulating petitions, state law requires that groups must first have the form of their petition approved by the Secretary of State and Attorney General. The Secretary of State then prepares a summary statement of no more than 100 words and the State Auditor prepares a fiscal impact statement, both of which are subject to the approval of the Attorney General. When both statements are approved, they become the official ballot title.

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Visit www.sos.mo.gov to learn more about the Missouri Secretary of State's office.

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