The court cited upholding the integrity of elections, as well as the potential for higher financial spending by candidates, in their reasoning.
The U.S. Supreme Court recently issued a ruling that any candidate for federal office has the right to file a lawsuit that challenges election rules governing the counting of votes, regardless of their chances of winning or campaign costs. The original lawsuit was filed by Representative Mike Bost over a law in Illinois that allowed ballots to be counted even if they arrived as late as 14 days after Election Day.
The majority ruling on the matter found that federal candidates have “an obvious personal stake” in the way in which election results are determined and regarded. They also found that any election rules that undermine the integrity of the election may also undermine the legitimacy of a candidate, regardless of whether or not those rules alter the outcome.
Justices Amy Coney Barrett and Elena Kagan agreed with the outcome of the ruling, but cited different reasoning behind their support. They maintained that candidates should not have special status, but that they should have the right to sue because they have to spend more money in order to continue competing, otherwise they do not have to “show any real harm.“
Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson and Sonia Sotomayor dissented from the majority ruling, citing concerns that it would open the door for more “disruptive” election lawsuits in the future.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For wisdom and discernment for the justices of the Supreme Court as they hear challenging cases and interpret the laws of the U.S.
- For members of Congress as they seek to ensure election security and integrity.
Sources: Roll Call, Daily Caller
