JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. _ Although he has not formally taken office, Missouri's next secretary of state is working to implement a new state law requiring voters to show photo identification at the polls.
Republican Jay Ashcroft told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch on Friday that he is in talks with the Legislature to ensure there is enough funding for the voter photo ID law. And, he is crafting guidelines for how it will work if someone shows up at the polls without an ID card.
"It's a big thing to take care of," said Ashcroft, who will replace Democratic Secretary of State Jason Kander.
On Nov. 8, 63 percent of Missouri voters favored a change in the state constitution to require voters to show a photo ID before casting a ballot.
For those without a valid form of photo identification, the state will be required to provide an ID for free.
A legislative analysis put the price tag on that requirement at $10 million, based on an assumption that half of the estimated 200,000 Missourians who don't have an ID would acquire one once the law is in place.
Although opponents said the new law would disenfranchise poor, elderly and minority voters, supporters dismissed the claims because of a provision allowing people without a valid ID to vote if they sign an affidavit saying they are properly registered to vote.
The new requirement could be challenged in court.
After beating Democrat Robin Smith on Election Day 57 percent to 38 percent, Ashcroft is among five newly elected Republicans who will take over on Jan. 9, including Gov.-elect Eric Greitens, Treasurer-elect Eric Schmitt, Lt. Gov.-elect Mike Parson and Attorney General-elect Josh Hawley.
Like the others, he is piecing together a team to take over after he is sworn in.
Earlier in December Ashcroft announced he had hired Trish Vincent as his chief of staff. She formerly served as a top aide to former Gov. Matt Blunt, former Auditor Tom Schweich and Ashcroft's father, former U.S. Sen. John Ashcroft.
He said Friday that he has filled several other positions, including a team to work with the Legislature and a communications director.
In addition to the voter photo ID work, Ashcroft said he is monitoring ballot initiatives that are being filed with the office. Thus far, there are more than 30 proposals from people seeking to place questions on the November 2018 ballot.
Ashcroft, who has not previously held elective office, said he and Kander have been in contact about the transition.
"We've had great discussions," Ashcroft said.
