JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) – Two proposals aimed at adding requirements for voting are moving forward in the Missouri House.

Lawmakers in a voice vote Wednesday gave initial approval to a constitutional amendment and a bill aimed at requiring voters to show photo identification at the polls.

Republicans defeated Democrats’ attempts to add more forms of acceptable photo ID and automatically register driver’s license applicants to vote.

Democrats say the measures could disenfranchise thousands of poor and minority voters.
Republicans say there are safeguards against that. For instance, Missouri would pay for documents needed for a driver’s license, such as a birth certificate. The bill includes other exceptions to the proposed photo identification requirement.

The measures still need a final vote to pass the House. Voters would have to approve the constitutional amendment.