Secretary of State News

Constitution Party Certified for November Ballot

Thu, 3 Jul 2008 20:40:00 GMT

Jefferson City, Missouri — Secretary of State Robin Carnahan today announced that the Constitution Party has been certified to appear on the ballot for the November 4, 2008, General Election.

The Constitution Party petition had over 12,000 signatures verified by local election authorities. State law allows a new political party to be placed on the ballot statewide if it obtains at least 10,000 valid signatures from registered voters in the state.

The Constitution Party will have 18 candidates on the ballot for the November 4, 2008, General Election:

President of the United States:	Chuck Baldwin
Vice-President of the United States:	Da rrell Castle
U.S. Rep. 3rd District:	Cynthia (Cindy) Redburn
U.S. Rep. 7th District:	Travis Maddox
U.S. Rep. 8th District:	Richard L. Smith
Governor:	Gregory E. Thompson
Lt. Governor:	James C. Rensing
Secretary of State:	Denise C. Neely
Treasurer:	Rodney D. Farthing
Mo. State Rep. 11th District:	David A. Leefe
Mo. State Rep. 64th District:	Mark Robert Opheim
Mo. State Rep. 76th District:	Donald L. Simmons, II
Mo. State Rep. 92nd District:	Donald R. Griffin
Mo. State Rep. 109th District:	Ken Bissey
Mo. State Rep. 149th District:	Dennis E. Hustead
Mo. State Rep. 151st District:	Robert Lee Mills
Mo. State Rep. 152nd District:	Thad Wheeler
Mo. State Rep. 157th District:	Jennifer Friedrich

The Democratic, Republican and Libertarian Parties will have candidates on the November ballot, as well.

Carnahan Reminds Missourians Voter Registration Deadline Approaching

Thu, 3 Jul 2008 14:05:00 GMT

Voter Registration Deadline for Primary is Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Jefferson City, Missouri — On August 5, 2008, Missourians get to choose the candidates that they want on the ballot in November for state, local and federal offices. However, to vote in the Primary Election, eligible Missourians must be registered to vote no later than Wednesday, July 9, 2008.

"In order to cast a ballot in the upcoming August 5th Primary Election, Missourians need to be registered to vote by Wednesday, July 9th," said Carnahan. "Voters turned out in record numbers for the Presidential Primary in February, and I hope the same will hold true for the State Primary in August. Elections are about deciding who will best represent us in government, and Missourians have a chance to make important decisions August 5th."

Missourians who will be 18 years of age by Election Day can register to vote at their local election official’s office or log on to the Secretary State’s webpage to print out a voter registration application they can mail in or drop off. It is important to remember that updating voter registration information is required if a currently registered voter has moved or changed their name.

Missourians can access the online voter registration application form and instructions at:

http://www.sos.mo.gov/elections/register2vote/

A mailed voter registration application must be postmarked by Wednesday, July 9, 2008, for the voter to be registered in time for the August 5, 2008, Primary.

Carnahan Announces Program on Perry Mason Moments, Entertaining Cases from Files of a Prosecuting Attorney

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 22:04:00 GMT

Jefferson City, Missouri - Secretary of State Robin Carnahan announced today a program that will provide a behind-the-scenes look at Missouri’s justice system through the eyes of a prosecuting attorney. The program will be held at the Missouri State Archives, a division of the Secretary of State’s office on Thursday, June 26, 2008 at 7pm. The program will feature author Morley Swingle, speaking about his book, Scoundrels to the Hoosegow: Perry Mason Moments and Entertaining Cases from the Files of a Prosecuting Attorney.

Swingle has been the prosecuting attorney in Cape Girardeau County for more than 20 years and has prosecuted thousands of cases, from misdemeanors to capital murder cases. Some of his cases have been featured on the Oprah Winfrey Show, Dateline, Arrest & Trial and Forensic Files.

In Scoundrels to the Hoosegow, Swingle shares over 30 true stories from his legal career. Swingle combines actual crimes, legal analysis and humor to recreate his most entertaining stories of villains, heroes and ordinary people, from the crime scene to the courtroom. Scoundrels to the Hoosegow describes the life of a prosecuting attorney and the Perry Mason moments that happen when unforeseen events cause a trial to shift direction dramatically.

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.

Take time to be a Poll Worker because this year It's Your Turn!

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 15:31:00 GMT

Potential record turnout this fall increases the need for poll workers
A Column by Secretary of State Robin Carnahan

Before we know it, summer will start changing into fall and Missourians will start to focus more on the choices to be made in this year's elections. Missourians turned out in record numbers to participate in the February Presidential Primary, and I expect to see another record turnout in this year's General Election.

In 2006, my office launched Missouri's first statewide poll worker recruitment program that has signed up nearly 2,500 potential poll workers to help on Election Day. It's Your Turn. Be a Poll Worker is an ongoing partnership between my office and Missouri businesses, universities and civic and labor organizations. The program encourages voters from across the state to serve as poll workers.

As we look toward the August Primary Election and the November General Election, it is more important than ever to have enough knowledgeable, well-trained poll workers to assist Missourians in casting their ballots. In fact, smooth election days on August 5th and November 4th won't just happen automatically. They'll happen because civic-minded people from all across Missouri pitch in and serve their communities in a unique way.

You may not hear a lot about poll workers, but they are an essential part of running elections and making our democracy work. I always say that poll workers are "where the rubber meets the road" on Election Day. Poll workers are the people who make it all happen inside our polling places. They check-in voters, manage the voter registration rolls, answer questions, solve problems and ensure that everyone who is eligible to vote can cast a ballot.

Poll workers are paid for their effort and for taking time out of their busy lives to help make our elections run smoothly. And after putting in a long day, most poll workers return home with wonderful stories and a renewed sense of optimism about our country.

"I loved working the polls. I would do it again," said one poll worker. "We had 433 voters. It was great. Thanks for letting me be part of it."

Becoming a poll worker is an important way to give back to your community, your state, and the nation. It's your turn to join the front lines of democracy. I hope you'll consider signing up to become a poll worker yourself or help someone else sign up. It couldn't be easier. Simply go to our website at www.sos.mo.gov/pollworker or call 1-800-NOW-VOTE.

Take time this fall to help make history happen. And remember, It's your turn. Be a poll worker!

Carnahan Warns of the Top 10 Threats to Missouri Investors for 2008

Wed, 4 Jun 2008 20:02:00 GMT

Jefferson City, Missouri - Missouri Secretary of State Robin Carnahan today announced the list of the Top Ten Threats to Missouri investors in 2008.

The Missouri Securities Division in Carnahan’s office compiled a list of the top threats to Missouri investors using data from enforcement actions, investigations and collaborations with other agencies like the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA).

“Since many con artists try to prey on investor’s fears about their financial security, it is important to educate Missourians about common types of fraud and threats to investors so they can protect their hard-earned money and spot a scam before it is too late,” said Carnahan. “Also, when in doubt, investors can always contact my office to check out an investment and the people offering it to make sure both are properly registered.”

In addition, Carnahan launched the new Missouri Investor Protection center earlier this year to help educate investors. Missourians can go to www.MissouriSafeSavings.com to find materials and resources that can help them make safe and informed investment decisions.

The following list details the Top 10 Threats to Missouri investors:

1. “Senior Specialists:” Individuals may call themselves “senior specialists” or use professional sounding designations to create a false level of comfort among seniors and then get them to invest. Frequently, the only specific training they have is on how to sell to seniors.

2. Unlicensed Sellers & Unregistered Products: The sale of securities by someone without a valid securities license should be a red flag for investors. Con artists try to bypass stringent state registration requirements to pitch unusual investments, and investors often suffer from a lack of disclosure or information.

3. Free Lunch or Dinner Offers: These often target seniors by inviting them to investment or retirement seminars. Along with the free meal often comes the promise of investments with “high returns and little or no risk.” Our investigators see new cases every month involving unsuitable investments that started with nothing more than a free lunch.

4. Real Estate Investment Schemes: In the shadow of the subprime lending crisis, schemes promising large returns from various types of real estate-related investments are increasing. Investments in real estate are regularly viewed as a “sure thing,” with little downside risk. But real estate investment contracts can involve significant risk, and like other investments, they are often subject to full regulation under the state and federal securities laws.

5. Internet Fraud: Scam artists continue to rush to the Internet to peddle their unregistered securities and fraudulent schemes. Fraudsters are using social networking websites to lure people to meetings that may promote fraudulent investment products. Other con men are using the Web to “pump up” the value of low-priced stocks which are then dumped on naïve investors who purchase the securities at inflated prices. If you decide to purchase a stock online, don’t buy little-known stocks on the basis of online hype alone.

6. Variable and Equity Indexed Annuities: Complicated investments that combine features of mutual funds, annuities and insurance are often unsuitable for older investors. These usually include higher than normal fees and can limit access to your money for many years unless you’re willing to pay “surrender fees.” Older Missourians should be especially cautious about investing in variable annuities or equity indexed annuities.

7. Oil and Gas Scams: The substantial increase in energy costs has made scams related to energy more prevalent. In addition to oil and gas investments, schemes which promise development of new technologies to either increase the efficiency of energy consumption or to extract energy from new sources previously thought too expensive to develop are also anticipated.

8. Gold, Precious Metals and Foreign Currencies: Falling dollar values and a turbulent stock market have led to increased recommendations to invest in gold, precious metals, or foreign currencies. Such investments are not suitable for all investors, however, as it can be expensive to locate, acquire, pay taxes on, and store gold bars or other tangible gold items. Foreign currency trading is highly speculative.

9. Auction Rate Securities: Some dishonestly tout these as being like cash deposits or money market accounts. Investors who transferred 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. Investors in such situations need to contact the Missouri Securities Division to learn about efforts to recoup losses.

10. Prime Bank Schemes: Scam artists say these promise high, tax-free returns. Promoters of these schemes offer to let the “little guy” in on what they claim are exclusive investments from elite overseas banks. Don’t be fooled. Prime banks of this type do not exist, and scam artists have no intention of creating a profit for anyone but themselves.

To check out an investment or the individual offering it, or for more information regarding investments and fraud protection, visit the investor protection website at www.MissouriSafeSavings.com or contact the Investor Hotline at 1.800.721.7996.

Carnahan Announces Celebration of Missouri Folk Arts

Thu, 22 May 2008 22:00:00 GMT

Jefferson City, MO - Secretary of State Robin Carnahan announced today that a festival celebrating Missouri's folk art traditions will be held at Memorial Park, on Saturday, May 31, 2008, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Memorial Park will once again come alive for a unique gathering of talented folk artists, musicians and craftsmen. This outdoor Folk Arts Festival will provide people of all ages the opportunity to view live demonstrations of traditional loom weaving, jewelry making, handmade needlecrafts, chair caning, leather crafts, glass arts, soap making, and wood lathing.

Those in attendance will be able to enjoy good food, a variety of craft vendors and a beautiful park setting while listening to Native American flute music, blues, and old time fiddle tunes. The event is free to the public, and is sponsored by the Missouri State Archives and the Friends of the Missouri State Archives.

The Missouri State Archives is the official repository for state documents of permanent historic value, and is located at 600 W. 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

A Message from Secretary of State Robin Carnahan: Remember those that have served our country

Wed, 21 May 2008 20:29:00 GMT

JEFFERSON CITY, MISSOURI - The month of May means the end of school, the beginning of summer and, for many of us, the anticipation of family reunions and vacations. But May is also a month of remembrance. On May 26, people across the nation will take a day to enjoy the weather, spend time with their families and remember all those men and women that have served our country.

Memorial Day, originally called "Decoration Day," was first observed in 1868 when flowers were placed on the graves of Civil War soldiers. However, it wasn't until 1971 that Memorial Day was made an official federal holiday.

I encourage each of you to spend some time this month to thank and learn more about those that have served our country. One way we all can learn more about those Missourians who have served our country is through the Missouri Digital Heritage website my office recently launched. This website provides all Missourians easy access to historical documents, photos and impressive collections about our state that will both educate and entertain.

For example, you can find President Harry S. Truman's military record which shows that he was inducted in to the Missouri National Guard on August 5, 1917. His record, along with millions of others, can be found in the Soldiers' Records: War of 1812 - World War I database.

You can also find important documents and images relating to the Civil War, Vietnam War, and the Cold War. The website features a letter contributed by the Truman Library that Albert Einstein wrote to President Franklin Roosevelt regarding the atomic bomb.

Records like Truman's and others included in this database and throughout the Missouri Digital Heritage website can provide you valuable information about your family that may not have been passed down or has been lost over the years. You can find birth records, death records, court documents, land records and so many more pieces of important historical information for not only the state of Missouri but also your family. To explore the Missouri Digital Heritage website visit www.MissouriDigitalHeritage.com .

As we enter another Missouri summer, I hope you enjoy time with your family and the memories that you have and continue to create. But I ask that you take a moment to also remember those that this holiday was originally intended for. I hope your summer is happy, your travels safe and your research into the past fruitful.

Carnahan Statement on Legislature Not Passing Restrictive Voter Photo ID Legislative Proposal

Fri, 16 May 2008 23:22:00 GMT

JEFFERSON CITY, MO - Missouri Secretary of State Robin Carnahan released the following statement on the legislative session ending without the passage of a restrictive proposal requiring voters to present a government-issued photo ID at the polls:

"This proposal not passing is a victory for voter's rights. This debate has not been about having Missouri voters identify themselves at the polls. In Missouri, we already have common sense identification requirements in place. This debate has been about ensuring fair elections, and elections can not be fair if eligible voters are not allowed to make their voice heard on Election Day.

These past two weeks we heard from Missouri voters across the state that feared they would lose their right to vote because they don't have a government-issued photo ID or a birth certificate, and I am glad the legislature didn't put their right to vote at risk. The hard work of citizens and groups around this state who opposed this proposal played a key role in making sure this legislation was not passed."

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 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.