Ashcroft sues Biden admin over voter registration executive order

Jefferson City, Mo. — Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft filed a lawsuit against the Biden administration challenging an executive order that directs federal agencies to expand access to voter registration and election information. The unconstitutional directive oversteps federal authority and infringes on states’ rights to manage their own election procedures.

The order, issued by President Biden, mandates that federal agencies actively promote voter registration opportunities and disseminate election information to citizens. This includes integrating voter registration services into routine interactions between citizens and federal agencies, aiming to increase voter participation and enhance access to voting resources.

Ashcroft argues this move constitutes federal overreach and violates the principles of federalism enshrined in the Constitution. “Missouri has a robust and effective election system in place, and it is the responsibility of the states, not the federal government, to manage voter registration and election procedures,” Ashcroft said. “This executive order undermines state sovereignty and threatens the integrity of our elections. This legal action is not about partisan politics; it is about maintaining the balance of power between the states and the federal government as intended by our Founding Fathers.”

The lawsuit, filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri, seeks to block the implementation of the executive order, asserting that the order imposes undue burdens on state election authorities and disregards legal frameworks governing elections.

“This order infringes on those of us at the county level who run elections,” Kurt Bahr, St. Charles County elections director said. “Alongside Secretary Ashcroft, we are committed to protecting Missouri voters and ensuring that our elections remain free from unnecessary federal intervention.”