|
||
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | September 15, 2014 | |
Lauren Hieger , Senate Majority Caucus Communications Director(573) 751-7266 – lauren.hieger@senate.mo.gov |
Lauren Hieger
Missouri Senate Majority Caucus
Communications Director
(573)751-7266
@laurenhieger
@MOSenMajority
Senate Leader Releases Statement on Early Voting Ballot Issue
JEFFERSON CITY – Senate President Pro Tem Tom Dempsey, R-St. Charles, reacted today to an opinion handed down by the Missouri Court of Appeals for the Western District on the issue of early voting. In the case of Seay v. Jones, the court ruled that the summary statement drafted by the General Assembly was inadequate. As a result of this finding, the court added language they deemed necessary to further define the effects of the proposal.
“With the November elections right around the corner, I believe it is important that the legal wrangling over this issue be put to rest and that the people of Missouri have a chance to weigh in on this important issue,” said Dempsey. “Although a strong argument can be made that the ballot language as drafted by the legislature was sufficient, the revisions made today by the court serve only to clarify the impact of this substantial change to our elections system.”
“The General Assembly voted to put this issue before the voters for their approval. Further litigation at this late date could endanger the ability of our citizens to have the opportunity to have their voices heard – potentially disenfranchising thousands,” continued Dempsey. “The time has come for litigation to end and for the democratic process to be allowed to work.”
The Court of Appeals has set an expedited deadline of Tuesday, September 16 for a decision on whether the case will be appealed to the Missouri Supreme Court. Sen. Dempsey does not support a further appeal at this time.
###