COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH
OVERSIGHT DIVISION
FISCAL NOTE
L.R. No.: 532-01
Bill No.: SB 63
Subject: Secretary of State: Elections
Type: Original
Date: January 28, 2001
FISCAL SUMMARY
| FUND AFFECTED | FY 2002 | FY 2003 | FY 2004 |
| Total Estimated
Net Effect on All State Funds |
$0 | $0 | $0 |
| FUND AFFECTED | FY 2002 | FY 2003 | FY 2004 |
| Total Estimated
Net Effect on All Federal Funds |
$0 | $0 | $0 |
| FUND AFFECTED | FY 2002 | FY 2003 | FY 2004 |
| Local Government | (Unknown) | (Unknown) | (Unknown) |
Numbers within parentheses: ( ) indicate costs or losses.
This fiscal note contains 4 pages.
ASSUMPTION
Officials of the Office of Secretary of State stated that there would be no fiscal impact to their office.
The Cole County Clerk stated there would be some insignificant administrative impact.
The St. Charles County Clerk assumes this proposal would create some additional cost. Officials estimate the cost for FY 2002 at $1,600; $800 in FY 2003; and $2800 in FY 2004.
Officials of the Kansas City Board of Elections estimate the cost of "early voting" at $20,000 in a major election for additional staff and overtime. Officials assume there could be some modest savings due to a reduction of voters on election day, however officials assume this would be difficult to anticipate.
Officials of the St. Louis County Board of Election Commission assume "early voting" would cost the county additional money for workers, overtime pay, postage, etc.. Officials estimated that additional costs for a 4 year election cycle would be $2,745,511. Officials stated that there would be fiscal impact from "no reason absentee voting." Officials stated that in 1998 the Boone County Clerk conducted a study on behalf of the Missouri election officials, which, covered the subject of absentee voting for any reason. In fiscal note 3220-03 the Boone County Clerk stated that on a statewide basis the costs for absentee voting for any reason could cost governments as much as $640,000 per election. Officials stated costs would be driven by additional ballots, envelopes, affidavits, envelopes, postage, and staff time for processing. Officials stated that absentee ballots are more expensive than normal ballots to process.
Officials of the Cape Girardeau County Clerk's office stated that early voting would require his office to hire 6 additional deputies and would require additional space. Officials estimate additional costs at $6,000.
Oversight assumes that establishing an early voting program is not mandated by this proposal. Local election authorities would have the option of establishing an early voting period, therefore, Oversight will show fiscal impact as $0.
Oversight will show costs from " any reason absentee voting" as (Unknown).
| FISCAL IMPACT - State Government | FY 2002
(10 Mo.) |
FY 2003 | FY 2004 |
| $0 | $0 | $0 |
| FISCAL IMPACT - Local Government
|
FY 2002
(10 Mo.) |
FY 2003 | FY 2004 |
| Cost to Election Authorities | |||
| from additional absentee ballot costs | (Unknown) | (Unknown) | (Unknown) |
FISCAL IMPACT - Small Business
No direct fiscal impact to small businesses would be expected as a result of this proposal.
DESCRIPTION
This act allows election authorities the option of providing early voting (voting before the election). Early voting dates would extend from 20 days to 5 days before the election. The election authority would be allowed to establish early voting hours. The reasons which voters must currently provide for voting absentee (voter is out of town, ill, or in jail or because of employment or religious belief) shall not apply until 5 days before the election. This act allows absentee voting for Missouri residents who are overseas, but only for federal and statewide candidates and statewide ballot issues (not state senators and representatives)
This legislation is not federally mandated, would not duplicate any other program and would not require additional capital improvements or rental space.
SOURCES OF INFORMATION
Office of Secretary of State
Kansas City Election Board
St.Louis County Board of Election Commission
Cole County Clerk
St.Charles County Clerk
Cape Girardeau County Clerk
Jeanne Jarrett, CPA
Director
January 28, 2001