WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 2736

Allows for same-day voter registration

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Eric Woods

Allows Missourians to register and vote on Election Day with same-day registration at designated sites and polling places.

Referred: Emerging Issues(H)
#countyofficials #elections
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 2736

Bill Overview

  • Bill: HB 2736
  • Session: 2026
  • Jurisdiction: Missouri
  • Title: Allows for same-day voter registration
  • Sponsor: Representative Woods (co-sponsor Eric Woods)
  • Current status: Referred to Emerging Issues (H) as of May 15, 2026

Main purpose and intent

HB 2736 would eliminate the current registration deadline that requires voters to be registered by 5:00 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday prior to an election. The bill allows eligible Missouri residents to register to vote on or before the day of the election, enabling same-day voter registration. Registration would be possible at locations designated by the Secretary of State, the local election authority, or at the voter’s assigned polling place on Election Day.

Key provisions and changes

  • Repeals and replaces sections 115.133 and 115.135 of the Missouri Revised Statutes with two new sections that implement same-day registration.
  • Eligibility to vote remains as established in section 115.133:
    • Any U.S. citizen who is a Missouri resident and at least 17 years 6 months old is entitled to register and vote in elections held on or after their 18th birthday.
    • Prohibits voting by individuals who are incapacitated, imprisoned, on probation/parole after a felony conviction until discharged, or who have a felony/misdemeanor suffrage-related conviction.
  • Same-day registration window:
    • Removes the prior deadline (no later than the fourth Wednesday before an election).
    • A person who qualifies to vote (and becomes qualified on or before election day) may register in the jurisdiction where they reside on or before Election Day.
  • Registration locations for same-day registration:
    • Any location established by the Secretary of State for voter registration.
    • Any location established by the local election authority for voter registration.
    • The voter’s assigned polling place on or before Election Day.
  • Post-registration voting:
    • Individuals registering on or before Election Day are eligible to vote in that election (pending eligibility and proper registration).
    • Those registering after Election Day would be eligible to vote in subsequent elections.
  • Identification requirements at registration:
    • Applications to register must be accompanied by identifying documentation (birth certificate, Native American tribal document, proof of U.S. citizenship, Missouri driver’s license, or other acceptable ID) at the time of registration.
  • Additional note:
    • The bill’s language references existing federal law and other Missouri sections (115.277) for compatibility, and clarifies that certain late-registration or special cases (e.g., covered voters) are governed by current rules, with the new standard focused on same-day registration.

Who is affected

  • Eligible Missouri voters who are U.S. citizens, residents, at least 18 years old (with 17 years 6 months age for eligibility to register), and who have not been disqualified by incapacitation or criminal status.
  • Voters who previously faced the registration deadline would gain the ability to register on Election Day.
  • Election authorities and the Secretary of State, which would administer and staff same-day registration locations and processes.
  • Polling places and local election offices, which would handle registration activities on Election Day.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Effective change: The bill would enact same-day registration provisions to supersede the current deadline framework.
  • Registration periods:
    • Prior to Election Day: Voters can register at standard registration locations up to Election Day.
    • On Election Day: Voters can register at designated locations (Secretary of State locations, local election authority locations, or their polling place) and immediately cast a ballot if otherwise eligible.
  • Post-change voting rights:
    • Registrations completed on or before Election Day authorize voting in that election; registrations completed after Election Day authorize voting in subsequent elections only.
  • Considerations:
    • The bill includes standard identification requirements at the time of registration.
    • The bill aligns with prior similar proposals (HB 1143, 2025; HB 2243, 2024) indicating a broader legislative push toward same-day registration.

Potential impact (summary)

  • Increases access to the voting process by removing the registration deadline, potentially broadening turnout, especially for late-deciding or first-time voters.
  • Shifts operational demands to election offices and polling places on Election Day, requiring staffing, workflow adjustments, and on-site eligibility verification.
  • Maintains safeguards around eligibility, ID verification, and disqualification provisions related to incapacitation or criminal convictions.
  • Creates a streamlined, one-day window for registration and voting, while ensuring that those who register on Election Day may vote in that election.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.