The Impact of H.B. 1878 on Out-of-State Students
As an out-of-state computer science student at Washington University who hopes to stay after graduation, I take my civic duties seriously. HB 1878 is an egregious attempt to disenfranchise voters under the guise of fixing a problem that does not exist. I urge Gov. Parson to veto this bill.
Missouri has a workforce problem which will not be fixed by adding onerous requirements to our right to vote, especially when many ID requirements exist. Hard photo ID is needlessly restrictive for younger, elderly, and disabled Missourians. It tells us that we are not welcome, and not full Missourians.
According to the Department of Higher Education, out-of-state students (excluding international students) comprise over 17% of Missouri public university attendees, and almost half (48.4%) of students at Missouri's private colleges. Many of us are learning to cope with moving away from home for the first time, balancing full-time classes with extracurriculars and jobs. A majority lack a car or access to one, and retain our home state IDs.
Currently, we're able to use Missouri student IDs as proof of residency when voting, but if Gov. Parson signs it, we will have to overcome the hassles of getting to a DMV and then acquiring a Real ID which necessitates a birth certificate. Currently, we use the convenient postcard that the Board of Election sends to remind us about upcoming elections. This would be eliminated for everyone.
These barriers are unnecessary and redundant, detering workforce retention and depressing economic revenue. Out-of-state students bring countless dollars in tuition, pay taxes on wages earned here, and pump rent, entertainment and grocery dollars into the local economy. Many of us join the workforce, furthering our contributions to the state.
I question the wisdom of disenfranchising those here seeking education as we consider where to settle down. While I have enjoyed St. Louis and would like to stay, I'm deeply concerned that our government would choose to alienate young workers and students. Why are our electeds so resistant to receiving our votes when they have no problem taking our money?
