Our Opinion: No on Amendment 6

Embrace a less costly, preferable option for early voting

In theory, early voting has merit. In the form of Amendment 6 on Tuesday's ballot, it does not.

Amendment 6 is the second proposed change to the constitution that has been abandoned by supporters, who offer no arguments or rationale for passage. The other derelict proposal in Tuesday's election is Amendment 3, which would undermine education by saddling local educations with state standards linked to student performance.

The ballot title for Amendment 6 reads: "Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to permit voting in person or by mail for a period of six business days prior to and including the Wednesday before election day in general elections, but only if the legislature and the governor disburse funds to pay for the increased cost of such voting?"

Cost is a consideration. Elections are not inexpensive, as additional ballot language suggests. It reads: "State governmental entities estimated startup costs of about $2 million and costs to local election authorities of at least $100,000 per election. Local election authorities estimated higher reimbursable costs per election."

Why introduce these costs to taxpayers when an easier, less-expensive alternative exists?

The alternative - supported by Secretary of State Jason Kander, who oversees elections in Missouri - is no-excuse absentee voting. Kander said he will promote this alternative during the coming legislative session.

Eligible voters may vote absentee beginning six weeks before election day. For Tuesday's election, absentees must return mailed ballots by today or in person at the clerk's office by Monday. The office is open 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday; on the Saturday before the election it also will be open from 8 a.m.-noon.

The only caveat for voting absentee is the state law that says a voter must give an excuse, such as being out of town on election day. Those excuses, however, are not verified.

Why not simply eliminate the "excuse" provision?

Legislators tend to fuss and fight about which early voting proposal will attract more of their partisans. We encourage participation by informed voters, whether Democrat, Republican or third-party supporters.

In governing, sometimes simple ideas are preferable.

Reject Amendment 6 and lend support to a less expensive, more inclusive solution - no-excuse absentee voting.