House bill could move sex offenders out of regular polling places

If passed, House Bill 587 would designate all county clerk’s offices as the polling places for registered sex offenders in the state of Missouri.

If any person were unable to make it to their designated county clerk’s office, then voting via absentee ballot would be permitted.

Rep. Tim Remole, R-Excello, is sponsoring the bill. It is co-sponsored by eight others.

The bill’s purpose is to keep children safe by prohibiting sex offenders from going to schools and churches when they go in to vote.

Boone County Clerk Wendy Noren said central polling places are already in place in offices statewide.

“You are allowed up to four,” she said. “We’ve already had sex offenders contact clerk’s offices, asking where they can vote, and so far we haven’t had a problem.”

So far the bill has not been met with any opposition.