Missouri’s Secretary of State, Denny Hoskins, has reaffirmed the state’s commitment to maintaining the integrity and public trust of its election system. As the chief election authority, Hoskins emphasizes that elections in Missouri are grounded in strong laws and local leadership, ensuring that the process is both secure and transparent. This statement comes amid ongoing national discussions about election integrity and public confidence in democratic processes.
Missouri’s Approach to Secure Elections
According to Missouri law, elections are overseen by local election authorities, including county clerks and election commissions. This decentralized approach allows officials who understand their communities to manage the electoral process directly. Hoskins highlighted that Missouri’s election laws include essential safeguards that promote both access and security. Already, these provisions align with several principles of election integrity, such as implementing voter ID laws, using paper ballots, and imposing restrictions on mass mail voting.
As confidence in institutions faces scrutiny, Hoskins expresses gratitude to leaders in Washington, D.C., and nationwide who are dedicated to ensuring secure elections. He notes that effective leadership during these times is not merely welcome but essential for reinforcing the public’s faith in the electoral system.
Building Trust Through Consistency
Trust in elections is built on consistent and transparent practices rather than rhetoric. The process begins long before Election Day, involving activities such as reviewing and updating voter rolls and testing voting equipment. In 2025, Missouri engaged in extensive voter roll maintenance, utilizing new tools to identify and remove deceased voters and other ineligible registrations, as mandated by law. Hoskins asserts that this proactive approach is not voter suppression but rather a means of protecting the voting rights of eligible citizens. Accurate voter rolls ensure that every lawful vote is counted effectively.
The Secretary of State acknowledges the dedication of Missouri’s election workers, including poll workers, county clerks, and the staff at the Secretary of State’s Office. These individuals, who represent a diverse cross-section of the community—including veterans, retirees, and volunteers—contribute significantly to the electoral process. Their commitment to serving the public deserves recognition and respect.
As the leader of Missouri’s election integrity efforts, Hoskins promises to continue supporting local election authorities with all lawful tools necessary to bolster public confidence in the electoral system. He emphasizes the importance of working collaboratively with both state and federal partners while asserting Missouri’s right to administer its elections independently.
“Elections are sacred—not because they are perfect, but because they give every citizen a voice,” Hoskins states. He reiterates that Missourians should have faith in their elections and that he will strive daily to earn and protect that trust.
