By Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins, CPA
JEFFERSON CITY – It is with great humility and excitement that I step into the role of Missouri’s 41st secretary of state. My journey from the legislature to this office has given me a deep appreciation for the responsibilities entrusted to us by the people of Missouri. I had the honor of speaking before the Missouri Press Association in our state capitol this week. Now, with just over a week on the job, I want to share some reflections and goals as we embark on this journey together.
One of my core commitments is upholding election integrity. Missourians deserve elections that are secure, transparent, and reflective of their will. To this end, we are auditing voter rolls to ensure they are accurate and free of outdated entries. I have also appointed a new Director of Election Integrity, Nick La Strada, whose expertise will be instrumental in achieving this goal. As we explore policies such as proof of citizenship for voter registration, our focus remains clear: protecting the integrity of our elections while ensuring compliance with the law.
Another area of focus is securities regulation. Missouri is one of the few states where the secretary of state appoints a Securities Commissioner, and I am proud to have selected Representative Michael O’Donnell, whose financial and markets expertise and leadership will serve Missourians well. Our approach will balance protecting investors, especially seniors, with fostering transparency in financial markets. For example, while we believe individuals should have the freedom to invest in funds that align with their values, clear disclosures are vital to inform investors of the risks and goals associated with their investments, if maximizing shareholder return is not the funds main objective.
The State Library and Archives are also critical pillars of this office. They serve as custodians of Missouri’s history and enablers of lifelong learning. We will continue to support these essential services while ensuring they remain accessible to all Missourians.
Lastly, I am committed to engagement and transparency. Former Secretary Jay Ashcroft set a precedent of visiting every county annually and I plan on continuing this tradition. Connecting directly with citizens ensures we understand their needs and concerns. Furthermore, as we improve our digital presence and launch new initiatives like podcasts, we aim to better communicate the great work happening in our state.
Missouri is a state rich in history, opportunity, and community. As your secretary of state, I am honored to lead an office that touches so many aspects of daily life from supporting businesses to preserving our heritage. Together, we will build a stronger, more transparent, and more prosperous Missouri.
Thank you for your trust. I look forward to serving you.