Missouri Secretary of State

04/02/2026

April is , a celebration of Deaf people and culture.

Last year, we were proud to host Becky M. Davis, the Executive Director of the Missouri Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (MCDHH), and Lawrence Yates, for an informative presentation on Deaf Missourian, Laura Redden Searing. Searing was a poet and journalist in the 19th century, and was not limited by her gender or disability.

Watch the program, presented in American Sign Language and narrated in spoken English here - https://youtu.be/dihQd9qHtvs?si=tsL-FpCxavq1c4cq

The Missouri State Archives holds the records related to the Missouri School for the Deaf, which opened in Fulton, Missouri in 1851. Shown here is a scan from the 1980 MSD yearbook. Explore our holdings with the finding aid for this collection:https://www.sos.mo.gov/CMSImages/Archives/resources/findingaids/RG151.01.pdf

04/02/2026

Today we announced:
🧥 Missouri’s official state jacket
🦸 Election judges receiving official capes
🐟 New official invasive species
🌎 Missouri’s official state planet

Only one problem…
None of them passed the legislature. Happy April Fools’ Day from the Missouri Secretary of State’s Office.

Missouri does have more than 40 real official state symbols — and we’re always happy to help you explore them at sos.mo.gov/symbols.

What state symbols should Missouri adopt next? 👀

04/01/2026

BREAKING: Missouri legislators today approved a new addition to the list of official state symbols. Missouri now has an official state jacket.

After careful consideration of durability, recognizability, and statewide ceremonial usefulness, the red blazer has been selected.

Supporters noted the jacket:
✔ Works in every season
✔ Is appropriate for ribbon cuttings
✔ Pairs well with Missouri pride

Implementation guidance for coordinated statewide usage is forthcoming.*

(*Just kidding.)

Happy April Fools’ Day, Missouri.

04/01/2026

Missouri has more than 40 official state symbols — from the channel catfish to the eastern bluebird to the Hawken rifle.
Today, legislators added one more.

Arizona has an official state planet (Pluto).
Minnesota has an official constellation (Ursa Minor).
Utah has a centennial astronomical symbol (the Beehive Cluster).

The Governor signed a bill designating Earth as Missouri’s official state planet.

Supporters noted the designation reflects Missouri’s strong connection to science, exploration, and space history — including NASA astronaut Linda M. Godwin, who logged more than 38 days in space across four shuttle missions.

Lawmakers said selecting Earth also ensures Missouri claimed a planet before they were all taken by other states.

Happy April Fools’ Day, Missouri. 🌎

04/01/2026

Missouri already has an official state fish (channel catfish), an official aquatic animal (paddlefish), and an official state invertebrate (crayfish).

But lawmakers agreed there was still one category missing:
An official state invasive species.

Today, the General Assembly designated the silver carp as Missouri’s official invasive species — recognizing its well-known impact on rivers and waterways across the Midwest.

Supporters noted the designation reflects:
✔ Missouri’s strong conservation awareness
✔ Ongoing river management efforts
✔ And the carp’s undeniable ability to make an entrance (sometimes directly into boats)

Fortunately, Missouri’s official fish is still the channel catfish.

Happy April Fools’ Day, Missouri. 🐟

04/01/2026

ANNOUNCEMENT: Beginning with the 2026 election cycle, Missouri election judges will be issued official capes.

Election judges already:
🗳 Help voters
📋 Keep polling places running smoothly
🕒 Work long days for their communities

The cape simply makes the superhero status official.

Just kidding — but Missouri does need election judges ahead of the 2026 election.

Serve your community the real way:
Visit ShowMoVotes.com

Happy April Fools’ Day!

03/30/2026

Congratulations to Barnes Greenhouses in Trenton on celebrating 136 years in business! Since 1890, Barnes Greenhouses have provided plants, trees, and flowers to customers across seven states—a remarkable legacy of hard work and growth.

It was a pleasure touring your operation and learning more about this outstanding Missouri business. Century-long businesses like yours help define the strength and character of our state’s economy.

The Missouri Secretary of State’s Office is proud to support businesses through our Business Services Division, and we love seeing Missouri companies thrive for generations. Thank you for all you do for your community and beyond!

03/29/2026

🪶 STATE SYMBOL OF THE WEEK Bobwhite Quail — Missouri’s State Game Bird

Missouri’s State Game Bird is the Bobwhite Quail, officially designated in 2007.

The bobwhite represents Missouri’s strong outdoor traditions, conservation efforts, and rural heritage. Found in grasslands and open fields, this small but resilient bird is a familiar sound across the Show-Me State.

🪶 Fun Fact: The bobwhite gets its name from its clear, whistling call that sounds like “bob-white!” In winter, they form groups called coveys and stand in a tight circle to share warmth and watch for predators — a true example of teamwork in the wild.

Have you ever heard the call of a bobwhite quail?

Learn more about Missouri's 44 state symbols at https://www.sos.mo.gov/symbols

03/28/2026

Teachers, librarians, and families 📚 Looking for a fun way to introduce Missouri state symbols?

Our Old Drum and Blue Bird animated series helps young learners explore:
- the state bird
- the state tree nut
- the state animal
…and many more symbols of the Show-Me State.

Watch the playlist:
▶️ https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZl6HUhkdrmXiu7ze1bJmAbFVEuN1WNA0

Perfect for classroom warm-ups, homeschool lessons, and library story time tie-ins.

03/27/2026

“I appreciate the court’s clarity and leadership in confirming that the Missouri FIRST Map remains in effect,” said Secretary Denny Hoskins. “Clear guidance helps ensure Missouri’s election processes continue to move forward in an orderly, transparent, and lawful manner.”

The Missouri Secretary of State’s Office remains committed to serving voters and supporting local election authorities across the state.

Cole County Judge Brian Stumpe ruled that the plaintiffs in the case did not have standing to file suit.

03/27/2026

👀 There’s a new traveler joining the adventure…

Say hello to Squirrel (and black walnuts!) 🌰🐿️

Follow along with Old Drum and Blue Bird as they explore Missouri’s official state symbols in short animated videos designed especially for young learners.

Start watching here:
▶️ https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZl6HUhkdrmXiu7ze1bJmAbFVEuN1WNA0

More symbols. More discoveries. More Missouri.

03/26/2026

🚗✨ Hit the road with Old Drum and Blue Bird!

Missouri’s official state symbols are more than just facts in a book — they’re part of our shared story.

Join Old Drum and Blue Bird on their Missouri Road Trip as they meet the animals, plants, and treasures that make the Show-Me State special 🐿️🐦🌰

Each short animated episode helps young learners:
- Discover Missouri state symbols
- Explore our state’s natural heritage
- Build early civic pride
- Learn together as a family

Watch the full playlist here:
▶️ https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZl6HUhkdrmXiu7ze1bJmAbFVEuN1WNA0

New stops on the road trip coming soon!