By Marshall Griffin, KWMU
Jefferson City, MO – Missouri's 2008 election cycle went smoothly overall, according to a report issued Wednesday by Secretary of State Robin Carnahan.
It's entitled, "Voters First: An Examination of Missouri's 2008 State and Federal Elections."
Carnahan's office oversees elections in the Show-me State.
Carnahan says what problems there were centered on proper registration, eligibility, and waiting several hours in line in some voter precincts.
She's calling on lawmakers to approve early voting in Missouri.
"Thirty-five other states allow folks to vote prior to Election Day with no excuse...it works, it's secure and voters like it, and Missourians deserve that same convenience," Carnahan said.
Carnahan is also seeking the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate next year.
In addition, the report states that there was not one incident of "voter impersonation fraud" anywhere in Missouri.
But Lloyd Smith, Executive Director of the Missouri Republican Party, says there were plenty of incidents of "voter registration fraud" last year.
"(The report) does not mention the ACORN organization, and what was found to be federal charges against one of the ACORN people registering voters illegally, and I think that at the end of the day that's a system that needs to be addressed," Smith said.
David Cole, Chairman of the Missouri GOP, issued a press release in response to Carnahan's report.
He says the report shows that Carnahan has no intention of cleaning up Missouri's election process or seriously confronting organized fraud.
But Carnahan says her office instructed local officials on combating voter fraud.
Carnahan's full report can be viewed online at:
http://www.sos.mo.gov/elections/VotersFirst/2008/