MO HB287

Eliminates the requirement that Missouri voters provide a reason (such as absence, illness, religious belief, or incarceration) to vote by absentee ballot, allowing any registered voter to vote absentee without justification

Removes the checklist of qualifying excuses from absentee ballot applications and ballot envelope statements, simplifying the required voter declaration

Retains the requirement that voters indicate on applications whether they are incapacitated or confined due to illness/disability, as this status exempts them from notarization requirements

Maintains existing deadlines: mail/fax applications due by 5:00 p.m. the Wednesday before election day; in-person applications accepted until 5:00 p.m. the day before the election

Preserves special absentee voting provisions for military/overseas voters, new residents, and interstate former residents voting for presidential electors