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HB 1738

Allows for three weeks of no-excuse absentee voting

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mark Boyko and 3 co-sponsors

Missouri bill expands no-excuse absentee voting to three weeks before elections, increasing voter access but requiring more election administration resources.

Referred: Emerging Issues(H)
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Bill Summary · HB 1738

Legislative bill overview

HB 1738 would extend Missouri's absentee voting period to allow voters to cast ballots without providing a reason for three weeks prior to Election Day. Currently, Missouri has more restrictive absentee voting policies that require voters to meet specific eligibility criteria. This change would significantly broaden access to early voting through mail or in-person absentee ballots.

Why is this important

Absentee voting periods directly affect voter participation rates by accommodating working voters, people with mobility issues, and those with scheduling conflicts. States with longer no-excuse absentee periods typically see higher overall turnout. This policy change would make voting more accessible to Missouri residents but also represents a shift in how the state administers elections.

Potential points of contention

  • Election administration costs: Extending absentee voting periods requires additional staffing, ballot printing, and processing infrastructure, which could increase county election budgets
  • Election security concerns: Opponents may argue longer voting windows create extended periods where ballots are in circulation, raising chain-of-custody questions
  • Partisan impact: States with expanded absentee voting often see demographic shifts in who votes early, which different parties assess differently for electoral advantage

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

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