// a href = ./ //

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - A Missouri House committee has adopted a measure requiring voters to show photo identification before casting ballots.

The House Elections Committee approved a state constitutional amendment that would ask voters whether to allow the photo ID requirement. The committee also approved a separate bill that would implement the photo identification requirement.

The vote was along party lines, with Republicans saying the photo ID requirement would increases transparency and reduce voter fraud. Democrats said there are no reports of voter impersonation and that the plan could disenfranchise voters.

Currently when Missourians vote, they can show a photo ID or other means of identification such as utility bills or bank statements.

Both measures head to the House Rules Committee for further consideration.

PAWTUCKET, R.I. (AP) - The classic Monopoly game is set for its most significant change in decades after fans voted to add a new token to replace the shoe, wheelbarrow or iron after they received the least support in an online contest.

Toy maker Hasbro Inc. will announce the new token lineup Wednesday after fans cast their final ballots to determine which piece to add and which of the existing tokens to replace.

The eight tokens identify the players and have changed quite a lot since Parker Brothers bought the game from its original designer in 1935.

The voting closed just before midnight Tuesday. Rhode Island-based Hasbro says the wheelbarrow, shoe and iron were neck and neck for elimination through the Save Your Token Campaign.

The new addition will be a robot, diamond ring, cat, helicopter or guitar.

IRVING, Texas (AP) - The Boy Scouts of America's policy excluding gay members and leaders could be up for a vote as soon as today, when the organization's national executive board meets behind closed doors under intense pressure from several sides.

BSA announced last week it was considering allowing troops to decide whether to allow gay membership. That news has placed a spotlight on executive board meetings that began Monday in Irving, Texas, where scouting headquarters is located.

BSA spokesman Deron Smith said last week that the board could take a vote today or decide to discuss the policy, but the organization will issue a statement either way.

The board has remained silent otherwise.

Meanwhile, groups on all sides have organized to try to make their voices heard.