Ashcroft sues Biden Administration over executive order on access to voter registration

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (First Alert 4) - Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft filed a lawsuit yesterday against the Biden Administration that challenges an executive order directing federal agencies to expand access to voter registration and election information.

The lawsuit claims the executive order ‘oversteps federal authority and infringes on states’ rights to manage their own election procedures.’

President Biden’s order mandates that federal agencies actively promote opportunities to register to vote and disseminate election information to citizens.

Ashcroft argues this 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 seeks to block the executive order, asserting 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.”