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Poll Watchers Taking Information on Primary Voters

For the first time during a Missouri election, party volunteers were allowed to record which ballot primary voters took.

Renny MacKay has more from Jefferson City.

Parties have always been able to have an observer at polling stations... During this year's presidential primary the poll watchers were also allowed to record people's names and which party they were voting for.

Missouri's chief election official is Becky Cook, the Secretary of State:

Cook also said that without the the poll watchers Missouri's delegates may not have been seated at parties conventions.

From the state capitol, I'm Renny MacKay.

Missouri Secretary of State, Becky Cook said poll watchers recording information of primary election voters was only done to please the national party committees.

Renny MacKay has more from Jefferson City.

Party volunteers at polling stations were allowed to record information about voters at the request of the Democratic National Committee. The national party wanted a way to try and ensure people voting for democrats are, in fact, democrats.

But, as Becky Cook says, there is no way for the poll watchers to know if people asking for democratic ballots are true democrats.

Neither the Republicans or Democrats have heard any complaints about having observers recording info at the polls.

From the state capitol, I'm Renny MacKay.