The League of Women Voters [Missouri chapter] has just issued an action alert to all of its members, regarding Trump’s voter-suppression commission. Here is the complete statement:
In regard to the Pence-Kobach Commission Request for Voter Information
The League of Women Voters is dedicated to ensuring that all eligible
voters – particularly those from traditionally underrepresented or
underserved communities– have the opportunity to exercise their right to
vote. Encouraging all eligible voters to participate in our elections is
the mission of the League of Women Voters since its founding almost 100
years ago.At this time, the newly appointed Pence-Kobach Commission on Election
Integrity has asked every state to provide sensitive voter roll data,
including the names, addresses, dates of birth, political party
affiliation, past voter history, partial social security numbers of
registered voters and even criminal history. This is a violation of privacy
and has implications that threaten voting rights and election integrity.The League has serious concerns about the collection of this personal
information by the Commission as well the release of the information by the
states. The Commission’s request for voter data should be alarming to any
American who values privacy, security, or integrity of our elections.We are concerned that the Pence-Kobach Commission is laying the groundwork
for potential voter suppression by the wrongful removal of eligible voters
from the rolls. It appears to be a part of a wider effort of the Commission
to suppress the vote and undermine our elections by spreading falsehoods
about our election system.We are concerned that this effort by the Commission may lead to dangerous
election policy that would limit the eligibility and right of individuals
who are fully qualified to vote.We are greatly disturbed that this Commission is undermining the public’s confidence in our elections.
We are greatly disturbed that this Commission is undermining the public’s confidence in our elections. We’ve already seen thousands of voters around the country cancel their voter
registration since the Commission’s request for personal voter information
from all 50 states.In Missouri, Secretary of State Ashcroft has agreed to Mr. Kobach’s request
for voter information. We understand that the release will be consistent
with Missouri law limiting what can be released. As we understand it, this
includes name, address, date of birth, county, precinct and voting history
(not how you voted but which elections in which you voted). There are
specific conditions in the Missouri statutes which apply to obtaining and
using the information, as well as paying the required fee for any
organization requesting the information.The League of Women Voters of Missouri urges the Secretary of State to
ensure that the Kobach Commission follow Missouri law in obtaining and
using the voter information.We encourage all Missouri voters to contact the Secretary of State’s office
at (573) 751-4936 or info@sos.mo.gov to express your concern.