Missouri Constitution Article VIII - Suffrage and Elections
Missouri Constitution – Article VIII: Suffrage and Elections
Article VIII of the Missouri Constitution governs the rights of citizens to vote, the conduct of elections, and related procedures. Here is a breakdown of its main provisions:
Section 1 – Right of Suffrage
Every U.S. citizen who is:
At least 18 years old
A resident of Missouri
Properly registered under state law
➤ Is entitled to vote in all elections by the people.
Section 2 – Disqualification from Voting
Persons who are:
Mentally incapacitated (as defined by law)
Convicted of a felony connected to voting or elections
➤ May be disqualified from voting.
Section 3 – Elections by Ballot
All elections must be conducted by secret ballot to preserve voter privacy.
Section 4 – Voter Registration
The General Assembly (Missouri Legislature) is responsible for laws regarding voter registration.
Section 5 – Voting Procedures
Voting shall be free and open.
No law shall impair the right to vote, and all elections must ensure honest and efficient administration.
Section 6 – Absentee Voting
The General Assembly may establish procedures for absentee voting, allowing people who can’t physically be present to vote.
Section 7 – Implementation of Federal Voting Laws
Missouri law must be consistent with federal voting rights laws, such as the Voting Rights Act.
Section 8 – Initiative, Referendum, and Recall
(May appear in or refer to other articles, but relevant for voting)
The people reserve the power to propose laws and constitutional amendments through the initiative, and to approve or reject laws via referendum.
This article reflects Missouri’s commitment to universal suffrage, with safeguards for election integrity, privacy, and access.
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