Missouri AG Leads 21 States Supporting Election Integrity Laws at SCOTUS

Missouri AG - News

Filed May 16th, 2024

Detected March 19th, 2026

Summary

Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway led a coalition of 21 states in an amicus brief to the U.S. Supreme Court. The brief supports overturning a federal appellate court ruling that struck down a Pennsylvania law requiring voters to date mail-in ballots, arguing it upholds election integrity.

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What changed

Attorney General Catherine Hanaway, leading a coalition of 21 states, filed an amicus brief with the U.S. Supreme Court in support of the Republican National Committee's petition for review in Eakin v. Adams County Board of Elections. The brief argues that the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals erred in striking down a Pennsylvania law requiring voters to date mail-in ballots, asserting that such a requirement is a commonsense election integrity measure and that the Constitution assigns election authority to state legislatures, not federal courts.

This action is a direct challenge to a lower court's ruling and seeks to preserve state-level election integrity laws. Regulated entities, particularly government agencies and legal professionals involved in election administration or litigation, should be aware of this Supreme Court case. The coalition urges the Supreme Court to grant review and reverse the appellate court's decision, thereby reinforcing the authority of states to implement such election regulations. No specific compliance deadline is mentioned, as this pertains to ongoing litigation and the Supreme Court's decision on whether to hear the case.

What to do next

Monitor U.S. Supreme Court's decision on granting review in Eakin v. Adams County Board of Elections.
Review state-specific mail-in ballot dating requirements for potential challenges.
Stay informed on potential implications for election law litigation and administration.

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Catherine L. Hanaway
Missouri Attorney General

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Catherine L. Hanaway
Missouri Attorney General

Attorney General Hanaway Leads Coalition of 21 States Supporting Common-sense Election Integrity Laws at the United States Supreme Court

Home 9 Press Release 9 Attorney General Hanaway Leads Coalition of 21 States Supporting Common-sense Election Integrity Laws at the United States Supreme Court JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Today, to protect and uphold election integrity laws across our country, Attorney General Catherine Hanaway led a coalition of 21 states to call on the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn a federal appellate court ruling that struck down a longstanding, commonsense Pennsylvania law that required voters to handwrite the date on mail-in ballots. The Republican National Committee (RNC) and the States argue that the lower court, completely lacking judicial restraint, badly erred in striking down this simple rule.

“The 3rd Circuit ruling is legislating from the bench. Plain and simple,” said Attorney General Hanaway. “Our founding fathers intentionally gave election authority to the States. They would be appalled that our courts have concluded that requiring voters to date their ballot is unconstitutional. My Office will continue to stand up for commonsense rules that prevent fraud and ensure election integrity.”

Missouri’s brief asserts that the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruling in Eakin v. Adams County Board of Elections is an unfounded precedent that undermines federalism and the separation of powers by giving federal courts undue authority over election rules. The Constitution clearly assigns this duty and responsibility to state legislatures. Under the approach of the 3rd Circuit, unelected judges would assume the authority to find even the most straightforward election-integrity requirement unconstitutional.

The Supreme Court has never found a non-discriminatory, ballot-casting regulation severely burdensome or a violation of the right to vote. Requiring voters to date mail-in ballots is not an unusual burden and it advances legitimate state interests in orderly administration, reliability, and deterring election fraud. Missouri and the States ask that the Supreme Court grant the RNC’s request for review and ultimately reverse the 3rd Circuit ruling.

Attorneys General from the following states joined the Missouri-led filing: Alabama, Alaska, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, and West Virginia.

The full amicus brief can be read here.