Vote history mailings raise alarms in Cape Girardeau County

The Cape Girardeau County Clerk's office has received calls this week from alarmed voters regarding letters they've received over the past few days containing "voting records" from past elections for themselves and their neighbors.

The letters, sent by a Virginia-based conservative organization called Americans for Limited Government, name the recipient and sometimes relatives or people who live close by, and says whether they voted in recent general elections.

County Clerk Kara Clark Summers said Wednesday the organization has not requested a voter list from her office, so it is unclear how the organization obtained the information. The clerk's office can release voter's identifying information and indicate they voted in past elections when an open records request is made, but has not and will not release information pertaining to party affiliations or votes for candidates. News reports in other states such as Colorado and Indiana show the organization's mailer distribution is widespread and that the letters often contain incorrect information.

Clark Summers notified the Missouri Secretary of State's office about the letters because she said voters she has talked to "feel violated" when they receive the information.

Americans for Limited Government on its website states its purpose as being "leaders in identifying, exposing and working with Congress and state legislatures to prevent the continued expansion of government."

Pertinent address:

1 Barton Square, Jackson, MO