Did you get a 'Voting Report Card' too?

ST. LOUIS -- A group called the Voter Participation Center is once again causing confusion with mass mailings with a new wave of "Voter Report Cards." The letters arrived this October ahead of the November election. These latest mailings detail individuals' voting history dating back to 2016, prompting some privacy concerns.

A portion of the letter states:

"Public records indicate that you are eligible to vote in the upcoming election on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. Remember, who you vote for is private, but whether or not you voted is public record."

This follows a similar incident this summer when the Voter Participation Center (VPC) sent registration materials signed by CEO Tom Lopach, generating confusion among residents and keeping election office phones busy. While legitimate, these mailings were not sent by official election offices.

The VPC, a non-partisan organization founded in 2003, has helped over 6 million people register to vote. The group made significant impact during the 2020 election, spending more than $100 million on outreach efforts that resulted in 1.6 million new voter registrations and 4.5 million mail-in ballot applications.

Election officials across multiple states have expressed frustration with these unofficial campaigns. While the registration forms included in these mailings are valid, officials prefer voters use official state websites or visit county offices to register.

The organization defends its efforts, stating their mission is to increase voter participation among underrepresented groups. They advise already-registered voters to disregard their notices.

Residents can verify their registration status through the Missouri Secretary of State's website, which also provides information about upcoming elections.