Today, the United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan dismissed a lawsuit filed by the Republican National Committee (RNC) challenging Michigan's voter registration database. Judge Jane Beckering granted the motion to dismiss presented by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, stating that the RNC lacked standing and that their claims were without merit.
The lawsuit targeted Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Director of Elections Jonathan Brater under the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA). The RNC cited high registration numbers in Michigan as a basis for their suit. However, Judge Beckering found fault in their calculations, which led them to inaccurately conclude that there were too many registrants.
Attorney General Nessel criticized the lawsuit, saying, “The Court’s ruling is yet another example of the Republican National Committee’s strategy to present baseless, frivolous arguments both inside courtrooms as well as on social media.” She further stated that such lawsuits undermine public faith in the electoral system.
Judge Beckering noted that even if the RNC's data were reliable, it did not indicate any legal violation. The relief requested by the RNC was said to invert statutory requirements, which mandate ensuring eligible applicants are registered while making efforts to remove ineligible voters.
In her opinion, Judge Beckering emphasized that "the NVRA purposes to both protect electoral integrity and protect against unlawful voter disenfranchisement." She added that without legal conclusions or unwarranted factual inferences from the Plaintiff, there was no plausible claim under the NVRA.