SB 182 is an elections bill that revises multiple provisions in Missouri’s election code. It changes deadlines and procedures for election notices, candidate filing, absentee voting, provisional ballots, ballot counting, and election-related offenses. Among other things, it moves certain candidate filing dates earlier by one week, allows some election notices and filings to be transmitted by email or fax with later delivery of originals, and tightens rules on when ballots or candidates may be removed from the ballot, generally prohibiting changes less than eight weeks before an election except in limited circumstances.
The bill also expands and clarifies absentee voting and provisional voting procedures. It allows in-person absentee voting for eligible voters with photo identification, specifies reasons a voter may request an absentee ballot, and creates or updates special absentee processes for permanently disabled voters and certain covered voters, former residents, and new residents in presidential elections. It revises provisional ballot handling for any public election, including eligibility checks, bipartisan review, documentation requirements, and a free-access system for voters to track whether their provisional ballot was counted. The bill further updates rules for counting write-in votes and voter intent, and it increases the polling-place buffer for electioneering from 25 feet to 50 feet.
SB 182 also adds a new election offense for tampering with an election official. That offense covers threats, harassment, intimidation, coercion, stalking-related conduct, and posting personal information of election officials or their family members online or otherwise. The offense is classified as a class one election offense, with a higher felony penalty if the conduct causes death or bodily injury. The bill also updates the list of class four election offenses, including campaign sign vandalism and electioneering restrictions near polling places.
The overall impact of the bill is to amend several core election administration statutes in Chapter 115, affecting election authorities, candidates, voters using absentee or provisional ballots, and individuals involved in election administration. It would likely require election officials to adjust notice, filing, ballot-processing, and security procedures, while also creating new penalties for conduct aimed at election workers. The bill appears to be a broad modernization and security measure rather than a narrow policy change.
Because there are no committee transcripts or recorded votes provided, there is no documented public debate or recorded partisan split in the materials supplied. Based on the bill text alone, the measure appears generally administrative and protective in tone, with an emphasis on election integrity, ballot access procedures, and protection of election workers. The main points of potential contention are the tighter filing deadlines, the restrictions on late ballot changes, the identification and notarization requirements tied to absentee voting, and the new criminal penalties for conduct involving election officials.
SB 182 repeals and reenacts multiple sections of Missouri election law in Chapter 115, affecting election notice timing, candidate filing deadlines, absentee voting eligibility and procedures, provisional ballot processing, write-in vote counting, electioneering restrictions, and election offense penalties. It would require election authorities, political subdivisions, candidates, and voters to follow revised timelines and documentation rules, and it creates a new offense for tampering with election officials.
No committee discussion or vote history was provided, so there is no recorded legislative sentiment in the supplied materials. From the bill text, the measure appears to be framed positively around election administration, ballot access, and election-worker protection, suggesting a generally supportive or reform-oriented posture rather than a controversial policy overhaul.
The likely areas of contention are the earlier candidate filing deadlines, the limits on late ballot or candidate changes, the photo ID and notarization requirements for some absentee ballots, and the expanded criminal penalties for conduct directed at election officials. Supporters would likely emphasize clearer procedures, election integrity, and protection of election workers, while opponents might focus on whether the bill makes voting or candidacy access more difficult or increases criminal exposure around election activity.