Staff Reports
A coalition of Republican-led states, led by Kansas, has filed a lawsuit aimed at blocking the Biden administration’s attempts to employ federal agencies in registering new voters, dubbing it an unlawful power grab that could pave the way for millions of new Democratic voters. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for Kansas, takes aim at a 2021 executive order from Biden that essentially turns federal agencies into voter registration machines, a role that rightly belongs to the states.
Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach, who knows a thing or two about election integrity, argues that this executive order represents a serious overstep by the executive branch. He emphasizes that it doesn’t matter which party is in power; the government must adhere to the law. One can only imagine the uproar from Democrats if a Republican administration tried something similar. The irony of their sudden concern for state sovereignty is as rich as a double-chocolate cake at a vegan convention.
A group of Republican state attorneys general are suing the Biden administration over a federal effort to expand access to voter registration. https://t.co/HurvNd6fyT
— KTVZ NewsChannel 21 (@KTVZ) August 14, 2024
Critics have been quick to sarcastically dub this order “Bidenbucks,” suggesting it will turn our government agencies into Democratic Party vending machines, dispensing new voter registrations like candy. The lawsuit contends that this federal meddling jeopardizes the integrity of state-run voter registration processes and twists the balance of power between the states and the federal government like a pretzel at a county fair.
Recent analysis from the left-leaning think tank Demos estimated that this scheme could lead to about 3 million new or updated voter registrations every year. Such a monumental influx of registrants could dramatically tilt the electoral scales in favor of Democrats, particularly in a nail-biter election between former President Trump and Vice President Harris. One can almost hear the Democratic cheers echoing across the land.
Adding to the concerns, the plaintiffs highlight that federal agencies have a track record of leanings that favor Democrats, with a significant number of federal employees historically donating to leftist candidates. This implicit bias raises eyebrows about the potential aftermath of this executive order. If a federal agency’s main goal becomes registering people to vote, who can really be surprised if those voters lean towards the Democratic party?
With early voting just around the corner, the urgency of this legal challenge grows. The plaintiffs recognize that even if courts do issue a preliminary injunction, it may only be a band-aid for the already bleeding democracy. Yet Kobach remains steadfast in his belief that stopping this overreach will safeguard future elections and restore some semblance of order to the chaos that could erupt from “Bidenbucks”.
The lawsuit, dubbed Montana v. Biden, seeks a swift ruling declaring the executive order unconstitutional and halting all associated actions by federal agencies. With states like Iowa, Mississippi, and South Dakota joining the chorus, the coalition grows stronger. It’s become clear that the implications of this executive order—in which federal health centers begin actively participating in voter turnout initiatives—are no small matter, as shown by previous reports detailing how such strategies influenced voter behavior, like in that recently rejected anti-abortion referendum.
Meanwhile, the legal battle rages on, and as the case is assigned to Judge Daniel D. Crabtree—an Obama appointee—one can only hope for some semblance of neutrality. Regardless of how this plays out now or in future elections, it is apparent that the stakes are incredibly high, thanks to the efforts of this administration to expand its reach and impact at the voting booth.
