Voter protection program in place in Missouri

ST. LOUIS – Voter protection advocates in Missouri will assist voters who have questions about their voting rights or face difficulties at the polls on Election Day. This non-partisan effort, organized by Advancement Project, a national civil rights organization, is part of the nation’s largest Election Protection program. The organization’s St. Louis-based national voting rights expert, Denise Lieberman, is coordinating the Missouri Election Protection program.

“We’ll have attorneys available to assist voters immediately with questions or problems they may experience at the polls, which could include confusion over voting laws, long lines, names missing from the roster, misinformation, and any other issue that stands to block voters from the ballot box” said Advancement Project Senior Attorney Denise Lieberman. “Regardless of the issue that may arise, we’re here to ensure all voters can participate in our nation’s democracy. Our goal is that every eligible voter is able to cast a ballot on Election Day.” 

The voter protection efforts include poll monitors in St. Louis and Kansas City who will distribute voting rights information and answer questions from voters. Voter problems reported to a poll monitor or to the Election Protection toll-free hotline (1-866-OUR-VOTE) will be handled by dozens of Missouri attorneys stationed at Command Centers in St. Louis and Kansas City. The attorneys will be available to assist voters in real time, and engage in legal advocacy if necessary.

“In addition to concerns about confusion over voting rules, names missing from the rolls or poll workers improperly requesting photo ID, advocates are also particularly concerned about the potential for increased police presence at the polls in Ferguson, which would create an intimidating presence. Advocates will be watching to help ensure voter access to the polls is not impeded.”  

Voters across the state with questions can call Election Protection toll free: 1-866-OUR-VOTE (1-866-687-8683) to check their registration and polling place, ask questions or report problems.

“The Missouri Election Protection program is committed to helping ensure elections in Missouri are free, fair and accessible to all people.” 

The St. Louis Command Center will be housed at: Central Reform Congregation multi-purpose room, 5020 Waterman, St. Louis, MO 63108.  The Kansas City Legal Command Center is based in the law firm of Hughes Hubbard & Reed, 2345 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64108.  

Election Protection Organizers are hosting a pre-election day Voting Right Crash Course at the St. Louis Command Center on Monday, Nov. 3, 5:30 -6:30p.m.  For more information, please contact Shuya Ohno at 202.738.0225 or Cynthia Gordy at 202.728.9557.

Photo: The Advancement Project, the ACLU, and others have argued voting rights cases before the Missouri Supreme Court pictured here.