JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The state of Missouri is attempting to overturn a 2021 executive order that President Joe Biden signed. The order aimed to help educate voters about how to register to vote.
Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft acted earlier this year to quash that effort.
On Monday, a federal judge heard from both parties as the state requested a preliminary injunction. The state is arguing the executive order is federal overreach and adds Missouri already has an election system in place.
An attorney representing the U.S. Department of Justice told the judge the state has failed to present any evidence the executive order has caused the state harm.
An attorney representing the state said in court the executive order will lead to an added burden for the state by verifying voter registration information shared through federal channels applies to the state level.
Voter registration deadlines have already passed for this year’s election. The Department of Justice attorney said in court that granting an injunction this close to an election would only lead to confusion for voters.
Court adjourned Monday afternoon with the judge taking the case under advisement. It’s not clear when a ruling will be issued.
