Supreme Court Rejects GOP Appeal on MI Voting Measure

The U.S. Supreme Court has Denied an Appeal from Michigan Republican Lawmakers, seeking to Overturn Voter-Approved Voting Rights Measures. Lawmakers aimed to Invalidate Amendments regarding Same-Day Voter Registration and Absentee Voting Rights, noting that Citizen led Initiatives are Unconstitutional. The Lawsuit was filed by Michigan Fair Elections and the Great Lakes Justice Center, naming Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson (D) and Michigan Director of Elections Jonathan Brater (D) as Defendants.

Ballot Proposal 2 and Ballot Proposal 3 received over 60% Support from Voters and were Enacted by the Legislature. Plaintiff and State Sen. Jonathan Lindsey (R-17th District) argued that the Amendments Violate Legislative Procedures and Undermine the Constitutional Process for Amending Election Laws. Lindsey said, “We also have procedures in place at the state level to amend election law.

However, these processes were violated in 2018 and 2022 when an alternative amendment process was used without regard to federal constitutional requirements.” Lindsay added, “This lawsuit challenges recent attempts to subvert our constitutional process and will protect against such actions in the future.”

The Supreme Court largely Dismissed Lindsey’s Reasoning. In a previous Ruling (Moore v. Harper), the Court Clarified that State Legislatures do Not possess Unilateral Power over Election Regulations. Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson (D) stated, “In recent years, voters in Michigan have overwhelmingly supported ballot initiatives to create a citizen-led independent redistricting process, to guarantee at least nine days of early voting for every statewide election, and to make voting more accessible for every eligible citizen.

Today’s action ensures that the will of the voters will stand on these and other issues important to the people of our state.”

Benson said, “This is a victory for the people of Michigan. The U.S. Supreme Court’s action has rightly upheld the power of Michigan voters to amend the state constitution and preserves the important checks and balances in our democratic process.”

Benson added, “Now that the Supreme Court has sided with people over politicians, I hope this marks the end of an era filled with frivolous lawsuits and attacks on our elections, our democracy, and the voting rights of every eligible citizen.”

The Case was Dismissed in a Lower Court for Lack-of-Standing and Upheld by the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, Leading to the Supreme Court’s Final Decision Not to Hear the Appeal.










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