Ashcroft makes Bootheel stop on Voter ID Informational Tour

Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft made a stop in Caruthersville at the public library on Wednesday during his Voter ID Informational Tour.

The five day tour began in Columbia and stopped in various locations throughout the state, including Springfield, West Plains, St. Charles, and finishing on Friday in Ste. Genevieve.

Ashcroft stated the reason for the tour was to clear up confusion.

“I want the people to understand what the law really requires,” said Ashcroft. “The letter of the law and the spirit of the law, also.”

Missouri implemented the new photo ID requirement for voting on June 1.

In any election after that date, you will be asked to show a photo ID before you vote.

The state offers three options.

1. Show a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver license, nondriver license, passport, or military ID.

2. Provide a secondary form of identification, such as a paycheck or bank statement and sign a statement confirming their identity.

3. If the voter has no form of identification, but is a registered voter, they may cast a provisional ballot.

Ashcroft is confident the state’s new voter ID law won’t disenfranchise anyone.

“I’ve put over 70,000 miles on my car traveling the state over the last two years, and I challenge anyone to point to someone that can’t vote under this law that would’ve been able to vote under the prior law,” said Ashcroft. “No one’s been able to find one.”

Ashcroft urges people to call his office if they need assistance in obtaining a nondriver license ID, which also includes obtaining the underlying documents needed to acquire the ID, such as a birth certificate or Social Security card, at no cost.

When asked a question concerning offering help to those who may have their documents but do not have transportation to the DMV to acquire the ID, due to rural communities with no mass transit, or the inability to pay for a taxi, Ashcroft assured there would be assistance.

“Some of what we’ll have to do will have to be case by case. We’re aware of this.”

Ashcroft fielded many questions from the audience, including one asking if Missouri had an issue with voter fraud.

“We know it occurs,” stated Ashcroft. “We’ve had signature fraud and voter impersonation.”

Ashcroft emphasized the fact that if you are registered to vote, you can vote.

“If you’re registered to vote, we want you to vote; you can vote. And if you’re not registered to vote, give us a call, we want to help you get registered.”

“Call us,” said Ashcroft. “Let us help you with it.”

If you want help, call the Show It 2 Vote Hotline toll-free 866-868-3245 or email ShowIt2Vote@sos.mo.gov for help obtaining your nondriver license ID for voting purposes or to ask any questions you have about showing an ID to vote.