Yesterday, the Michigan Court of Claims dismissed a lawsuit filed by the Michigan Republican Party, the Republican National Committee (RNC), and Chesterfield Township Clerk Cindy Berry. The lawsuit challenged the voting rights of military and overseas voters. Attorney General Dana Nessel's motion to dismiss was granted against Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Director of Elections Jonathan Brater.
The plaintiffs aimed to challenge instructions issued by the Secretary of State regarding how spouses or dependents of Michigan military or overseas voters can participate in elections. These instructions align with a 1996 statute that permits such practices. The Republican parties argued that these instructions violated the Michigan Constitution, but both the Attorney General and the court found them consistent with existing law.
Nessel commented on the ruling: “This baseless lawsuit was a clear attempt to disenfranchise Michigan’s military and overseas voters,” adding that she is proud to defend their voting rights. She emphasized, "Military voters deserve our respect for their service, their families, and their votes — not to be treated like a political football by the Michigan Republican Party and the RNC.”