Ashcroft Responds to DOJ Intent to Send Officials to Cole County Polling Places

JEFFERSON CITY, MO – Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft met with US Department of Justice representatives Monday morning to discuss an email sent to the Cole County Clerk informing him that federal officials would be at polling locations in Cole County today due to complaints sent to the DOJ. Ashcroft says that when questioned specifically about the type and nature of the grievances, the DOJ refused to provide any clarification or actual documentation verifying the claims.

In a release from Ashcroft, it was stated that he informed the DOJ officials they did not authority or jurisdiction to be present at an election site unless invited by the local election authority. Ashcroft went on to question how Missouri election officials can solve a problem without being told what the problem is by the DOJ.