The Missouri law mandating a photo ID to cast a vote remains in effect: "A major victory for election security."

A court upholding a Missouri law mandating a photo ID to vote is a significant victory for election security, according to Attorney General Andrew Bailey.

Bailey stated in an exclusive interview with Planet Chronicle Digital that Missouri demonstrated how to handle radical activists who attempt to undermine secure elections through the legal process.

Bailey added that this was a huge victory for the Show Me State.

"Radical activists working to undermine our elections FAILED as we went to court and presented evidence. This is a HUGE win for election security," Bailey stated in a post on X.

Elon Musk also shared his approval and praise for Missouri's court ruling.

"Congratulations AG Bailey! This nationwide," Musk wrote in a post on X.

The voter ID law was upheld by the Missouri court despite opposition from groups claiming it could disenfranchise voters.

The voter ID law does not impose a burden on voters, as confirmed by the court's ruling, which was supported by evidence presented in Bailey's office.

Missouri offers free non-driver's licenses for voting to individuals who do not possess a driver's license or have an expired one. The health department's Bureau of Vital Records provides free birth certificates to those seeking their first non-driver's license in order to vote if the applicant does not have a current driver's license.

Bailey stated in a previous court brief that the State has taken significant measures to assist voters in obtaining IDs, thereby alleviating any severe burden on the right to vote.

In October 2022, Judge Jon Beetem of Cole County had already rejected a lawsuit filed by the Missouri League of Women Voters, NAACP, and two voters challenging a law passed by the Republican-controlled state legislature that requires voters to show photo identification to cast a regular ballot. Under the 2022 law, individuals with a valid government-issued photo ID are still able to submit provisional ballots, which will be counted if they return later that day with a photo ID or if election officials verify their signatures.

The 2022 law aimed to discourage voter fraud, according to Republicans, but the lawsuit contended that the legislation imposed unconstitutional obstacles to voting, resulting in lower voter turnout.

In Missouri, voters were allowed to present a voter registration card, a student ID, a bank statement or utility bill, or a valid driver's license to cast their ballots before the 2022 midterm elections.

At least 20 states require a photo ID to vote, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

Missouri's Republican-led government is setting a precedent for national policy, as other states with similar leadership are following suit.

Missouri will continue to be at the forefront of protecting election security, stated Bailey with pride.

Critics argue that such requirements are an overreaction that could disenfranchise eligible voters.

This report was contributed to by Danielle Wallace of Planet Chronicle Digital and the Associated Press.

Stepheny Price is a writer for Planet Chronicle Digital and Fox Business. If you have story tips or ideas, you can send them to [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]).