Supreme Court's Kagan rejects move to stop Montana counties from sending mail-in ballots to voters

Republican plaintiffs opposed a move by Montana's governor to allow counties to have the general election mostly via mail because of COVID-19.

By Alex Nitzberg

Published: October 11, 2020 10:12am

Updated: October 11, 2020 2:19pm

Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan last week blocked an effort to stop Montana Gov. Steve Bullock's plan allow counties to send mail-in ballots to voters.

Republican plaintiffs—who included voters, a state House candidate and the Ravalli County, Montana Republican Central Committee—sought an emergency injunction, but Kagan denied the request according to the Associated Press.

Kagan has jurisdiction over the case because of where it was filed.

The plaintiffs wished to block U.S. District Judge Dana Christensen's decision that upheld Gov. Steve Bullock's move to allow counties to hold elections mostly via mail because of COVID-19.

The wire service reported that while 45 out of 56 counties opted for this, Montana voters throughout the state can also cast their ballots in person both before and on election day.

Gov. Bullock is currently running for a seat in the U.S. Senate.