HB 638 -- ABSENTEE BALLOT APPLICATION SPONSOR: Farnen COMMITTEE ACTION: Voted "do pass" by the Committee on Elections by a vote of 13 to 2. This bill requires election authorities to accept absentee ballot applications by facsimile transmission. Under current law, acceptance of facsimile transmissions is within the election authority's discretion. FISCAL NOTE: No impact on state funds. PROPONENTS: Supporters say that the bill will make it easier for voters, especially college students, to participate in the election process, and it helps toward achieving uniformity of state election laws. Testifying for the bill were Representatives Farnen and Harlan; Associated Students of the University of Missouri; and Secretary of State's Office. OPPONENTS: There was no opposition voiced to the committee. Julie Jinkens McNitt, Legislative AnalystCopyright (c) Missouri House of Representatives