Opinion ID: 6108847
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: conclusion

Text: The circuit court quashed the preliminary order in mandamus on grounds that the requested relief would violate the Missouri Democratic Party's First Amendment right to freedom of association. But this Court will not reach constitutional issues if the case can be decided on other grounds. See Watts v. Lester E. Cox Med. Ctrs. , 376 S.W.3d 633 , 635 n.2 (Mo. banc 2012). Furthermore, this Court will affirm the circuit court's judgment if it is correct on any ground supported by the record, regardless of whether the trial court relied on that ground. Mo. Soybean Ass'n v. Mo. Clean Water Comm'n , 102 S.W.3d 10 , 22 (Mo. banc 2003). This Court is primarily concerned with the correctness of the result, not the route taken by the trial court to reach it. Id. As the petitioner, Rep. Curtis had the burden of establishing, unequivocally, that the Missouri Democratic Party, its chair, and the secretary of state, as public officials, failed to perform a ministerial duty imposed by law. Jones , 965 S.W.2d at 213 . Because Rep. Curtis failed to establish the Missouri Democratic Party or its chair is a public official for purposes of mandamus and because the record reflects the secretary of state never refused to accept a filing fee from Rep. Curtis, the circuit court did not abuse its discretion by quashing its preliminary order in mandamus. The circuit court's judgment is affirmed. All concur.