“In the Secretary of State’s office’s view, the intent of the law was not to disenfranchise Missourians after they have legally signed a petition,” the statement read. “If this petition has enough valid signatures and meets the requirements for certification, the Secretary of State’s office will certify it for the ballot, just like every other petition.”

Still, the fight likely isn’t over yet. Kander said the effort will likely continue to be debated in court in the coming weeks and months, instructing local election authorities to continue verifying the petition signatures in the meantime.

He also acknowledged that even with the required signatures, a court could later remove it from the ballot.

Chuck Hatfield, attorney for Boeving, said he disagrees with Kander's decision.

“Missouri law declares in plain language that ‘signatures shall not be counted if the official ballot title is not affixed to the page containing such signatures.’" Hatfield said. "The petitions no longer have an official ballot title and the law is crystal clear that they shall not be counted.”