America’s system of self-government is often called a great experiment, one built not on force but on faith. Faith that our neighbors will show up. Faith that the rules will be followed. Faith that the outcome, win or lose, reflects the will of the people.

As Missouri’s chief election authority, I take that responsibility seriously. I know Missourians do, too.

That’s why I want to thank Missouri’s friends in Washington, D.C., and leaders across the country who continue to focus on election integrity and public trust. 

Leadership that values secure, transparent elections is necessary at a time when confidence in institutions has been tested.

Missouri elections built on law and local leadership

Missouri has long believed elections should be secure, transparent and administered close to home. Under state law, elections are run by local election authorities, such as county clerks and boards of election commissioners, who know their communities and serve voters directly.

Our laws already include many safeguards Missourians expect. Photo identification is required to vote in person, and elections are conducted using paper ballots to ensure a physical record of every vote. 

Furthermore, universal mail voting isn’t permitted under Missouri law, and voter rolls are regularly maintained in compliance with state and federal law, including the National Voter Registration Act.

These provisions aren’t new, and they aren’t extreme. They reflect Missouri’s belief that access and security go hand in hand.

Missouri law already aligns with the core principles of federal proposals such as Make Elections Great Again, specifically through our use of voter ID, paper ballots and limits on mass mail voting.

Trust must be earned and protected

Trust in elections doesn’t come from speeches or headlines. It comes from consistent, lawful and transparent administration, election after election.

That work happens quietly, long before Election Day. 

It happens when voter rolls are reviewed and updated, when voting equipment is tested, and when poll workers are trained and polling places are prepared.

Missouri used new election integrity tools to conduct extensive voter-roll maintenance last year. In partnership with local election authorities, we identified and removed deceased voters and ineligible registrations as required by law. 

Accurate rolls help ensure every lawful vote carries its full weight. 

This isn’t voter suppression. It’s voter protection.

This work would be impossible without the poll workers who arrive before sunrise and stay late into the night, the county clerks and election boards who manage elections year-round, the dedicated staff in the Secretary of State’s Office and our federal partners who provide resources and coordination where permitted by law.

These public servants are neighbors, parents, veterans, retirees and volunteers. They’re Republicans, Democrats, and independents. They all deserve our respect and gratitude.

A promise to Missourians

This great experiment in democracy is worth protecting.

As secretary of state, I’ll continue to support all lawful tools necessary to assist our local election authorities, strengthen public confidence and ensure elections remain secure, accessible and fair. 

I’ll continue to work with state and federal partners where appropriate, while defending Missouri’s authority to run its own elections.

Elections are sacred, not because they’re perfect, but because they give every citizen a voice. 

Missourians should have faith in their elections. 

I’ll work every day to earn and protect that trust for as long as I serve.