Secretary of State News

Secretary Carnahan and Missouri Voters Discuss Costly Effects of Possible Voter Photo ID Law

Thu, 8 May 2008 21:57:00 GMT

St. Louis, Mo. - Secretary of State Robin Carnahan joined a group of Missouri voters today at the League of Women Voters office in St. Louis, Mo., to discuss the possible disenfranchisement of up to 240,000 Missourians if a proposed government Photo ID requirement for voting is pushed through the Missouri legislature. Many of those voters present lacked the necessary government issued Photo ID that would be required to vote

"As Missouri's chief elections official, it's my job to ensure fair elections, and elections cannot be fair if eligible voters are not allowed to vote," said Carnahan. "Many of the registered voters who do not have the type of government ID required also do not have copies of the documents needed to obtain a government ID in the first place - like a birth certificate. What we heard today is that getting copies of these can be costly, time consuming and sometimes impossible."

Secretary Carnahan was joined by voters like Lillie Lewis who has spent months trying to get a copy of her birth certificate so that she can get a government ID in Missouri. Mrs. Lewis was born in Mississippi in the mid-1930s and has been told by that state that they have no record of her birth. Without that birth certificate, Mrs. Lewis can not get a government issued Photo ID and therefore would not be allowed to vote if this proposal becomes law.

"It would be unacceptable for a voter to be denied the right to vote in America merely because an inefficient government bureaucracy can not provide a copy of a birth certificate to one of its citizens," added Carnahan. "I urge the legislature to reject any proposal that could put the voting rights of up to 240,000 Missourians at risk."

Also joining Secretary Carnahan was Richard von Glahn a 27-year-old, Ohio born Missouri voter who would be forced to wait several months and pay as much as $20 for a copy of his birth certificate in order to obtain the required government ID.

In addition, Sister Diana Oleskevich, of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, St. Louis Province and Sister Connie Probst of the Franciscan Sisters of our Lady of Perpetual Help were also there to express concerns because some of the nuns in their convents lack government issued Photo IDs. Other sisters spoke out about the impact this measure could have on nuns in their order. Sister Sandy Schwartz of the Franciscan Sisters of St. Mary the Angel said that an informal survey indicated that 15 of the 35 voters in her convent did not have a valid government ID of the type required by this proposal. "This may sound like a good idea at first, but once you stop to think about who would really be affected, this is going to keep a lot of our loved ones from being able to vote," she said.

This week it was reported that 12 nuns were turned away from the polls in Indiana because they lacked government Photo IDs.

The Missouri Supreme Court stuck down a 2006 Voter Photo ID law in October of that year, citing that it placed too much of a burden on eligible Missourian's constitutional right to vote.

Secretary of State's Office Announces Signatures Turned in for Five Petitions by Deadline

Tue, 6 May 2008 18:27:00 GMT

Jefferson City, Missouri- The Missouri Secretary of State's office announced today that signatures were turned in for five petitions by the 5 PM deadline on Sunday, May 4, 2008.

These petitions will now be organized and reviewed by the Secretary of State's office and then sent on to the 116 local election authorities in counties and cities across the state for them to verify signatures against their voter registration records. Local election authorities will have until 5 PM on July 29, 2008, to check the signatures for authenticity.

Petitions that meet the legal criteria will be certified for the ballot by 5 PM on August 5, 2008.

For a petition seeking to change Missouri statute, valid signatures from registered voters equal to five (5) percent of the total votes cast in the 2004 governor's election from six of the state's nine congressional districts must be submitted. Depending on the combination of districts, the number of signatures required ranges between approximately 86,000 and 95,000 valid signatures.

For a petition seeking to change the Missouri Constitution, valid signatures from registered voters equal to eight (8) percent of the total votes cast in the 2004 governor's election from six of the state's nine congressional districts must be submitted. Depending on the combination of districts, the number of signatures required ranges between approximately 140,000 and 150,000 valid signatures for each petition.

Signatures for the following petitions were submitted for verification:

An amendment to various chapters of the Revised Statutes of Missouri relating to casinos and gambling:
http://www.sos.mo.gov/elections/2008petitions/08init_pet.asp#2008035

A statutory amendment to the Revised Statutes of Missouri relating to home care:
http://www.sos.mo.gov/elections/2008petitions/08init_pet.asp#2008025

A Constitutional Amendment to Article I relating to eminent domain:
http://www.sos.mo.gov/elections/2008petitions/08init_pet.asp#2008001

A Constitutional Amendment to Article VI relating to eminent domain:
http://www.sos.mo.gov/elections/2008petitions/08init_pet.asp#2008002

An amendment to Chapter 393 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri relating to renewable energy:
http://www.sos.mo.gov/elections/2008petitions/08init_pet.asp#2008031

STATEMENT ON COURT OF APPEALS RULING ON STEM CELL BALLOT SUMMARY LANGUAGE

Fri, 2 May 2008 21:06:00 GMT

Jefferson City, Missouri - On May 2, 2008, the Missouri Western District Court of Appeals ruled on the ballot summary language relating to limiting stem cell research, therapies and cures.

In its ruling, the Court replaced a single word of the Secretary’s summary statement by substituting “change” for “repeal“. The court went on to clearly uphold the remainder of the Secretary's summary statement by stating that it is “within acceptable boundaries and does not misinform or mislead the voters regarding the purpose, effects, or consequences of the amendment.”

The Secretary of State’s office released the following statement in response to the ruling:

“This ruling validates our summary statement as fair and accurate, while only replacing one word. Missourians deserve to be able to clearly understand what they are voting for, and our office will continue to work to ensure fairness and integrity in all aspects of the elections process.”

To view the ruling, go to: http://www.courts.mo.gov/courts/pubopinions.nsf/e53581bdd14e64858625661f004bc8fd/fd2c75dd51910ff88625743c0073affc?OpenDocument

Carnahan Announces Missouri Digital Heritage Initiative

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 18:12:00 GMT

New Website allows Missourians to explore past with the click of a button

Jefferson City, MO - Secretary of State Robin Carnahan launched the Missouri Digital Heritage website last night at a public program held at the James C. Kirkpatrick State Information Center. Supreme Court Judge Stephen Limbaugh was also on hand to welcome historians, legislators, staff and the public who attended the event.

The Missouri Digital Heritage Initiative makes millions of historical documents available to the public and connects users to dozens of Missouri's local libraries, universities and cultural institutions through one searchable destination. Carnahan proposed this landmark initiative in 2007 to further Missourians' access to information about the history of people and places in the state. The initiative passed through the state legislature last April, and the development of the website has been underway for the past year. Missourians can log onto the website at www.MissouriDigitalHeritage.com.

"Missouri has a rich and varied history, and this website provides every Missourian unprecedented access to the stories, snapshots and records of our state and its people," Carnahan said. "I am excited that Missourians and the wider online community can piece together their past through a single website."

The Secretary of State's office houses both the state archives and state library and much of the content is hosted directly from these collections. The Missouri state archives is the official repository for state documents of permanent historic value and is the definitive source of information on Missouri state and governmental history. The state library provides hundreds of grants per year through LSTA (Library Services & Technology Act) funds distributed by the federal Institute of Museum & Library Services. Many collections included in the Missouri Digital Heritage Initiative are made possible through this grant program.

Those wanting to learn more about the making of the Missouri Digital Heritage Initiative can go online to view a video about the project at: http://www.sos.mo.gov/mdh/MakingOf/.

For even more information on the Missouri Digital Heritage Initiative, the public can explore the website at www.MissouriDigitalHeritage.com or email mdhi@sos.mo.gov and call (800) 325-0131.

Secretary Carnahan to Launch Missouri Digital Heritage Initiative

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 22:00:00 GMT

Jefferson City, Missouri - Missouri Secretary of State Robin Carnahan is launching the new Missouri Digital Heritage Initiative website at the James C. Kirkpatrick State Information Center on Tuesday, April 29 at 5:30 PM.

The Missouri Digital Heritage Initiative is a collaborative effort that dramatically expands the amount of information available online about Missouri's past. In 2007, Secretary Carnahan proposed this landmark initiative to further Missourians' access to information about the history of our state and local communities.

Who: Secretary of State Robin Carnahan
What: Launch of Missouri Digital Heritage Initiative
When: Tuesday, April 29, 2008 at 5:30 PM
Where: James C. Kirkpatrick State Information Center
600 W. Main St, Jefferson City, MO

Carnahan Statement on U.S. Supreme Court Ruling on the Indiana Voter Photo ID Law

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 20:09:00 GMT

Jefferson City, MO - Missouri Secretary of State Robin Carnahan released the following statement today in reaction to the U.S. Supreme Court upholding the Indiana Photo ID law:

"While it's disappointing that the United States Supreme Court upheld Indiana's Photo ID law, this ruling will not impact Missouri voters. Today's opinion involves an Indiana law and does not change the 2006 Missouri Supreme Court decision that found Missouri's overly restrictive photo ID law unduly burdensome to voters and therefore, unconstitutional.
It is my job to protect the rights of all Missouri voters and ensure fair elections, and elections cannot be fair if eligible voters are not allowed to vote.

The Missouri case was decidedly different than the case heard by the U.S. Supreme Court for two reasons. First, because of the higher level of protection given to voters by the Missouri Constitution, and second because of the evidence provided about the number of Missourians adversely impacted and the burdens imposed. Unlike the U.S. Supreme Court, the Missouri Court found that as many as 240,000 Missouri registered voters -- mostly elderly, disabled, poor, and minority voters - risked being disenfranchised because they lacked the government issued photo ID required.

In an opinion issued by the Missouri Supreme Court striking down as unconstitutional the 2006 Missouri Photo ID law, the court stated that, "Due to the more expansive and concrete protections of the right to vote under the Missouri Constitution, voting rights are an area where our state Constitution provides greater protection than its federal counterpart."

Carnahan Cracks Down on "Senior Advisor" Preying on Elderly Missourian

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 15:35:00 GMT

Jefferson City, Missouri - Missouri Secretary of State Robin Carnahan's office issued a Cease and Desist Order against "Certified Senior Advisor" Terry W. Simpkins, of Lake Sherwood, Mo., for giving inappropriate investment advice to an elderly woman who has since been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.

Simpkins, who is not registered to sell securities or offer investment advice, allegedly recommended that a 75-year-old from Columbia, Mo., move her money out of bank accounts, certificates of deposit, stocks and mutual funds and into annuities. One of those annuities was an equity indexed annuity that locked up her money for 15 years, had sizable surrender penalties for taking the money out early and paid large commissions to Simpkins.

Simpkins, who is affiliated with the firm Wealth Protection Advisors, uses the title “Certified Senior Advisor.” Titles like this imply special knowledge or training in senior investment issues, but often the only training a “senior specialist” has is on how to sell to seniors. Secretary Carnahan’s office recently filed a rule that would crackdown on people who improperly use these “senior specialist” titles.

“It’s important to remember that just because someone claims a professional sounding designation, that doesn’t mean they are highly qualified professionals looking out for your best interest,” said Carnahan. “Many of these designations prove only that the individual knows how to use marketing techniques to prey on seniors.”

Simpkins allegedly recommended the equity indexed annuity even though he knew his client may need ready access to her funds for medical purposes. As a result, the Missouri resident had to pay over $12,000 in surrender fees when she needed her money to move into an assisted living facility.

The woman’s daughter stated that her mother suffered from arthritis, diabetes and heart arrhythmia and was often confused and forgetful about financial matters. The elderly investor has subsequently been diagnosed as suffering from a series of strokes and Alzheimer’s disease. Simpkins has thirty days to respond to the order and request a hearing.

Carnahan Announces Rescheduled Program on History of Free Black Women during the Slave Era

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 18:32:00 GMT

Jefferson City, Missouri - Secretary of State Robin Carnahan announced today that a program focusing on free black women in the slave era will be held at the State Archives, a division of her office, on Thursday, May 1, 2008, at 7:00 pm. The event was originally scheduled for February 21, 2008, but had to be cancelled due to inclement weather. The program will feature author Wilma King, discussing her new book, The Essence of Liberty: Free Black Women during the Slave Era.

Utilizing a wealth of primary sources, including legal documents, newspapers, letters and autobiographical writings, King sheds light on the under-studied topic of black women who became free before emancipation. She examines how these women gained their freedom, educated themselves, found jobs, maintained self esteem and developed a social consciousness.

Free black women have not been included in most general histories of African-Americans, but King’s fresh perspective and extensive research on the subject are helping fill the void. The Essence of Liberty blends social, political and economic history to analyze black women’s experiences in the North and South, from the colonial period through emancipation. King emphasizes the restraints that racism placed on free blacks, showing that the essence of freedom is more complicated than merely the absence of shackles.

The Missouri State Archives is the official repository for state documents of permanent historic value, and is located at 600 West Main Street in Jefferson City. All programs at the Archives are free of charge and open to the public, with seating available on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information on this and other programming at the Archives, contact Emily Luker, (573) 526-5296 or emily.luker@sos.mo.gov

Carnahan Works to Ensure Voters' Access to Paper Ballots

Mon, 14 Apr 2008 20:48:00 GMT

Bi-Partisan Supported Election Measure Gets First-round approval in Committee

Jefferson City, Missouri - Secretary of State Robin Carnahan applauded first round approval of the "Voter Confidence Act," (HB 2114), sponsored by Representative Jake Zimmerman of Olivette, by the Elections Committee of the Missouri House of Representatives. The measure, which passed by a vote of 8-0, would ensure that all Missouri voters have the choice to vote on a paper ballot in state and federal elections.

"Every Missouri voter should have the option of voting on a paper ballot," said Carnahan. "Ensuring there are enough paper ballots for all Missouri voters who want them is a commonsense and cost-effective way to increase confidence in our elections."

During the 2006 general election Carnahan's office received reports that a number of polling places in the state ran out of paper ballots causing voters to have to wait in line until additional ballots could be produced. This bill would make sure that local election officials have enough funding to help prevent that from happening in future elections. In addition, marking paper ballots often takes less time for voters and could help shorten lines at the polls.

A version of the "Voter Confidence Act" has been introduced in the Missouri State Senate (SB 1082) by Senator Rita Days. The bill received a hearing in the Senate Committee on Financial, Governmental Organizations and Elections but has not been voted on by the committee.

In addition to having the choice to vote on a paper ballot, Missouri voters also would be able to use one of the new accessible touch screen voting systems introduced in 2006.

Carnahan Announces Program on Churchill Memorial

Fri, 11 Apr 2008 15:21:00 GMT

Jefferson City, MO - Secretary of State Robin Carnahan announced today that a program on the Winston Churchill Memorial and Library will be held at the Missouri State Archives, a division of her office, on Thursday, April 17, 2008, at 7:00 p.m. Churchill Museum Executive Director Dr. Rob Havers will discuss the renovated museum and its state-of-the-art exhibits that bring to life one of the greatest statesmen of the 20th century through sight, sound and touch.

In 1946, Winston Churchill delivered his famous "Iron Curtain" speech at Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri, popularizing the phrase that would come to describe the division between the Western powers and the Soviet Union during the Cold War. Westminster College established the Winston Churchill Memorial and Library in 1969 as a tribute to Churchill's life and legacy.

The memorial is housed within the Church of St. Mary the Virgin, Aldermanbury, a 12th century church from the middle of London. The church was redesigned by Sir Christopher Wren in 1677 and painstakingly relocated, stone-by-stone, to Fulton. Within the church are artifacts and works that chronicle Churchill's life, from his youth through three wars, and finally to the speech he gave in Fulton warning of the coming Cold War.

For more information on this and other programming at the Archives, contact Emily Luker, (573) 526-5296 or emily.luker@sos.mo.gov

Initiative Petition Relating to the Nonpartisan Selection of Judges Approved for Circulation for 2008 Ballot

Thu, 10 Apr 2008 21:27:00 GMT

Jefferson City, Missouri - Secretary of State Robin Carnahan announced today that a new initiative petition met state standards for circulation. The petition would amend the Missouri Constitution relating to the nonpartisan selection of judges.

The ballot title for the petition relating to the nonpartisan selection of judges reads:

Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to repeal certain provisions relating to the nonpartisan selection of judges by:

removing all current members of the nonpartisan judicial selection commissions and giving sole authority to the Governor to appoint new members subject to Senate consent;
increasing the number of judicial nominees submitted by the commissions from three to five and allowing the Governor to veto the first list of nominees;
transferring from the Missouri Supreme Court to the Governor's appointed commissions the authority to establish rules governing commission actions; and
making certain information regarding judicial nominees and the selection process publicly available?

It is estimated this proposal will have no costs or savings to state or local governmental entities.

The petition relating to the nonpartisan selection of judges was submitted by Jonathan Bunch, Executive Director of Better Courts for Missouri, PO Box 1524, Jefferson City, MO 65102, 573-635-0782.

Before any constitutional changes can be brought before Missouri voters in the November 2008 election, signatures must be obtained from registered voters equal to eight (8) percent of the total votes cast in the 2004 governor's election from six of the state's nine congressional districts. Depending on the combination of districts, the number of signatures required ranges between approximately 140,000 and 150,000 valid signatures for each petition.

Signatures on behalf of all initiative petitions for the 2008 ballot are due to the Secretary of State's office by no later than 5 p.m. on May 4, 2008.

The full text of all the proposed ballot measures will be available on the Secretary of State's website at www.sos.mo.gov/elections/2008petitions/08init_pet.asp.

Before circulating petitions, state law requires that groups must first have the form of their petition approved by the Secretary of State and Attorney General. The Secretary of State then prepares a summary statement of no more than 100 words and the State Auditor prepares a fiscal impact statement, both of which are subject to the approval of the Attorney General. When both statements are approved, they become the official ballot title.

Carnahan Launches Investigation into Auction Rate Securities Sales

Thu, 10 Apr 2008 17:41:00 GMT

Jefferson City, Missouri - Missouri Secretary of State Robin Carnahan’s Securities Division is investigating practices used by large broker-dealer firms to sell auction rate securities.

Attention to this issue rose as Secretary Carnahan’s office received complaints from several investors who were unable to access their money invested in auction rate securities. As part of the investigation, officials will review information from brokerage firms related to their marketing practices for auction rate securities.

“Missourians need to double-check promises made about investments they are unfamiliar with,” said Carnahan. “Auction rate securities and other investments are complicated, and if you are unsure about an offer or feel you are being misled, don’t be afraid to ask more questions or report suspicious activity to my office.”

Auction rate securities are often touted as being like cash deposits or money market accounts. Yet, information from investigations suggests that some investors transferring their money out of cash deposits or money markets into auction rate securities are finding that they are unable to access their money when they need it most.

Auction rate securities may provide higher interest rates than Treasuries or FDIC-insured money market accounts, making them attractive when interest rates are dropping.

However, due to fallout from tight credit markets spurred by the sub-prime mortgage crisis, many auctions where auction rate securities are traded have failed. As a result, several investors who needed immediate access to their money have discovered that it is not available to them. Some investors shut out from their money did not even know that they had invested in auction rate securities.

Investors who have encountered trouble with their auction rate securities, or who are unable to access their investment funds as promised, can call the Missouri Securities Division at their toll-free hotline at (800) 721-7996 to file a complaint.

Carnahan Announces Rules Stopping Misleading "Senior Specialist" Designations

Tue, 1 Apr 2008 15:53:00 GMT

Jefferson City, Missouri - Secretary of State Robin Carnahan announced today that her office has filed rules to stop securities brokers and investment advisers from using misleading credentials targeted at senior investors.

In a trend taking hold both in Missouri and nationwide, salespeople marketing financial and investment services to seniors are using credentials implying special knowledge or training in senior investment issues. Secretary Carnahan's Securities Division discovered that many of these designations do not grant any special knowledge other than how to sell to seniors. The filed rules target designations lacking competency, monitoring, disciplinary or continuing education standards.

"My office has come across too many cases where salespeople are trying to falsely gain the confidence and trust of seniors by using hollow or misleading credentials," said Carnahan. "This rule will help Missouri's senior investors by combating designations implying training or expertise where none exists."

Secretary Carnahan's Senior Investor Protection Unit, a group of trained and experienced investigators, recently issued a report on "free lunch" investment seminars. The report found that of the almost 30 seminars investigated, over 70% were presented by someone using a senior designation. In many instances, those claiming a special designation were not licensed to sell securities or provide investment advice and likely used the designation to bolster their resume.

Under the rules, securities brokers and investment advisers could use a senior designation if it is issued by a group accredited by a nationally recognized accreditation organization. Those found to be using misleading senior designations could face the suspension or revocation of a license.

With the filing of these rules, Missouri joins others like Massachusetts and the North American Securities Administrators Association, in addressing the use of senior designations. The filed rules are subject to the customary state regulation filing process and would go into effect on January 1, 2009.

To learn more about safe investing and to view the free lunch report visit Secretary Carnahan's new investor protection website at: www.MissouriSafeSavings.com.

Carnahan Announces End of Candidate Filing

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 14:15:00 GMT

Jefferson City, Missouri - Secretary of State Robin Carnahan announced today that 487 candidates filed for offices as the approximately month-long filing period ended earlier this week on March 25, 2008, at 5:00 p.m.

Candidates running for the five statewide offices of Governor, Lt. Governor, Secretary of State, Treasurer and Attorney General, all nine of Missouri's U.S. House of Representatives' seats, 17 odd-numbered state Senate districts, Circuit Judges and 163 House seats were required to file with the Secretary of States Office. However, candidates for county offices filed with their local county clerk or election board for those races.

Currently, there are 210 Republican candidates, 256 Democratic candidates, and 21 Libertarian candidates that have filed for office. For more information regarding the candidates and offices, please click on the following link: http://www.sos.mo.gov/candidates/MultipleOffices.asp?vElection=P108.

Candidates that filed on the first day at the Secretary of State's office drew a number to determine the order in which their name will appear on the primary ballot. Candidates that filed after the first day are placed on the ballot in the order they filed.

Candidates seeking to file for State Representative in Districts 95 and 149 may still do so until 5 p.m. on Friday, March 28, 2008. In accordance with Missouri state law, the filing dates for these offices have been extended because an individual withdrew their name as a candidate within two business days of the filing deadline.

The numbers of candidates that have filed in the past include: in 2000, 608 filed; in 2002, 633 filed; in 2004, 564 filed; and in 2006, 563 filed.

Missouri's primary election is on Tuesday, August 5, 2008. The deadline for voter registration for the August primary is July 9, 2008. The general election is Tuesday, November 4, 2008, and the voter registration deadline for that election is October 8, 2008.

Carnahan Announces Completion of Landmark Historical Project

Wed, 19 Mar 2008 19:58:00 GMT

Online Death Records Database Help People Find Family History

Jefferson City, Missouri - Secretary of State Robin Carnahan announced today that the Missouri Death Certificate Database, a project of the Missouri State Archives, has been completed.

Missouri Death Certificate Database, a searchable online index of over 2.1 million death certificates from 1910-1957, was first released in April 2006. At that time, the database was linked to digital images of original certificates from one decade. The remaining certificates were to be made available online by April 2009, but the Missouri State Archives completed the project over a year ahead of schedule.

"The Missouri Death Certificate Database is the most ambitious online project the Archives has completed to date," said Carnahan. "I want to thank the staff and volunteers who spent hours of their time making this great service available to Missourians that want to learn about the rich past of our state and its people."

Researchers everywhere now have immediate, free access to online images of Missouri death certificates over fifty years old, including those of famous Missourians like author Laura Ingalls Wilder, musician and composer John William 'Blind' Boone, outlaw Frank James and political boss Tom Pendergast. Family historians, biographers, and other researchers can use these death certificates to discover key information about an ancestor or important historical figure, including occupation, burial site, birthplace, and even the names of an individual's parents and spouse.

Since its release, the death records database has been searched an unprecedented 11.4 million times, and staff members have responded to over 63,700 requests for copies from researchers wishing to learn more about their heritage.

A project this vast could not have been completed without the support of many people. Over 600 students and volunteers from across the nation and other countries spent 32,810 hours preparing certificates for scanning and entering data into the index. View the Missouri Death Certificate Database at: http://www.sos.mo.gov/archives/resources/deathcertificates/.

The Death Certificate Database has earned praise by users worldwide and was awarded the Award of Merit by the American Association for State and Local History (AASLH). The project is administered by the nationally-recognized Missouri State Archives, a division of the Office of Secretary of State, which honors include its website being named by Family Tree Magazine as one of the nation's finest resources for family history research for five straight years. In addition, the State Archives received AASLH Awards of Merit for its work on a Lewis and Clark-era reproduction of the Missouri River and for the St. Louis Circuit Court Historical Records (1804-1875) Project. Other resources on the Archives' award-winning website include the Soldiers Database, with images of individual service cards from the War of 1812 to World War I; the Naturalization Records Index, 1819-1955; and the Civil War Provost Marshal Index Database. To visit the Missouri State Archives click: www.sos.mo.gov/archives.