Ashcroft Tells DOJ They Have No Juristiction

Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft met with representatives of the US Department of Justice (DOJ) this morning  to discuss an email that was sent to Cole County Clerk Steven Korsmeyer informing him that federal officials would be at polling locations in Cole County during Tuesday’s elections due to complaints received by the DOJ. However, when questioned specifically about the type and nature of the grievances, the DOJ refused to provide any clarification or actual documentation verifying such claims.

The secretary of state's office has full confidence in our election authorities - Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft

During the 45-minute meeting, the DOJ officials were told they did not have the authority, nor the jurisdiction to be present at an election site unless invited by the local election authority. “How can we solve the problem unless we know what the problem is?” Ashcroft said.

Also today, the DOJ was sent a letter outlining the denial and addressing other concerns relating to tomorrow’s election.

“The US Department of Justice should consider the Show-Me State as the example for other states when it comes to sound non-partisan elections,” Ashcroft said.  “It would be highly inappropriate for federal agents to violate the law by intimidating Missouri voters and harassing poll workers on Election Day.”

According to organizations, including the Heritage Foundation, Missouri leads the nation regarding election integrity - especially pertaining to accessible, secure voting with timely, credible results.  This recognition is due to the efforts of the hard-working election authorities across the state and the many poll workers who give of their time.

"The secretary of state's office has full confidence in our election authorities,” Ashcroft said.  “I want to personally thank all 116 local election authorities and the thousands of poll workers across Missouri who make our elections what they are.”

KPGZ News - Brian Watts contributed to this story