New MSA electoral 'bills of rights' legislation submitted
Senate Speaker Jonathan Mays and Senate Parliamentarian Amanda Shelton, a member of the Operations committee, today submitted the first piece of legislation for the Missouri Students Assoication's 48th session. The bill is an updated version of a bill which passed last year with strong opposition before being vetoed by President Jim Kelley in late May.
Under the voter's right section, the only change is
7. Receive another ballot if the voter’s ballot is accidentally spoiled or the voter makes an error; (old version)
7. Receive another ballot if the voter’s ballot is accidentally spoiled by elections officials or technology over which they preside; (new version)
Under the candidate's right section,
4. Challenge the outcome of an election and request an official recount of votes. (old version)
4. Challenge the outcome of an election and request an official recount of votes if he or she lost by less than one percent. (new version)
This year's bill also adds a section on absentee voting, which is a right given in the old version of the bill but not specificied.
The new legislation includes provisions on when, where and how to request and submit an absentee ballot.
Senate committees will consider this legislation tonight, along with Department of Student Communication appointee Porsha Kirkwood, Student Fee Review Committee appointee Gwen Daniels and the Board of Election Commissioners handbook for the November presidential and vice-presidential election.