SB 606 revises Missouri law governing absentee ballot handling and curing of ballot-envelope defects. The bill repeals the current section that defines when absentee ballots are considered cast and replaces it with new procedures for election authorities to follow when an absentee ballot envelope is incomplete or missing a notarization required by law. Instead of automatically rejecting such ballots, the election authority must notify the voter of the deficiency using reasonably calculated contact methods, including mail, phone, and email, and must explain how the voter can supply the missing information.
The bill also allows the voter to cure the defect by submitting a new statement and delivering it by any legally authorized method for absentee ballots. It limits contact about missing envelope information to election authority employees and prohibits third-party organizations from contacting voters on that issue. A ballot may be counted if the missing information is provided by the close of polls on Election Day; otherwise, it must be rejected. The bill further changes absentee ballot preparation timing by allowing election authorities to begin preparation upon receipt rather than waiting until five days before the election, while keeping bipartisan staffing requirements and notice to party county chairs.
Impact
SB 606 would amend Missouri’s election statutes in Chapter 115 by repealing section 115.286 and revising sections 115.295 and 115.300. Its main legal effect is to create a ballot-curing process for absentee ballots with incomplete envelope statements or missing notarization, shifting the law away from automatic rejection and toward voter notification and correction. It also changes the timing for absentee ballot preparation and preserves bipartisan oversight requirements for ballot processing teams. The bill would affect election authorities, absentee voters, and political parties involved in observing ballot preparation.
Sentiment
The bill text suggests a generally pro-voter administrative approach, emphasizing notice and an opportunity to cure technical absentee-ballot defects rather than immediate disqualification. Because there are no committee transcripts or recorded votes provided, there is no direct evidence of formal support or opposition in the available record. Based on the substance of the bill, the likely sentiment is that it aims to improve ballot access and reduce rejection of ballots for correctable errors while maintaining election integrity safeguards.
Contention
The main point of contention is likely the balance between voter access and election security. Supporters would likely favor the cure process as a way to prevent disenfranchisement over technical envelope mistakes, while critics may argue that allowing post-submission correction could create opportunities for undue influence or weaken procedural safeguards. Another possible concern is the restriction that only election authority employees may contact voters about missing information, which could be viewed as limiting assistance from outside groups that often help voters navigate absentee voting rules.