FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Contact: Laura Egerdal, (573) 526-0949
Contact: Ryan Hobart, (573) 526-4734

Carnahan Responds to Text Messages Spreading False Election Day Information

All Missourians Must Cast Their Ballot on November 4th

Jefferson City, Missouri - Secretary of State Robin Carnahan today responded to reports of misleading text messages and "robo-calls" from around Missouri which encourage some voters to wait and vote tomorrow.  The messages, forwarded to the Secretary of State’s office by several voters, have been sent to the U.S. Attorney’s office for further investigation.

"I have no tolerance for anyone intentionally causing confusion on Election Day.  Every eligible Missourian should be able to cast their ballot today, and my office will immediately respond to any reports of misinformation," Carnahan said.  "I am working with local election officials around the state to make sure poll workers and voters understand their rights.  Anyone attempting to deprive voters of their rights on Election Day will be prosecuted."

Polls are open in Missouri from 6am to 7pm on Tuesday, November 4, and any voter in line by 7pm will be allowed to vote.  To report text messages or prerecorded calls containing false information, or any other Election Day issues, voters may call the Election Division Hotline at 1-800-NOW-VOTE.  Voters can locate their polling place, find out what type of identification to bring, and view a sample ballot at www.GoVoteMissouri.com.

Under Missouri law, knowingly providing false information about election procedures for the purpose of preventing any person from going to the polls is a class one election offense.

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*Please see photos attached to this press release

Attachments:   IPhone      11/05/08 Vote Message

To find out more about Missouri’s Secretary of State’s office, visit www.sos.mo.gov

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