Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, a Democrat, has won a 4-3 ruling by the state’s Supreme Court to reinstate rules governing the behavior of partisan election challengers for the upcoming 2022 elections. These challengers are appointed by political parties to monitor voting centers and may dispute a person’s right to vote if they believe the individual is ineligible.
The rules, which were initially challenged by the Republican National Committee and other GOP voters, aim to prevent issues like impermissible voter challenges, disruption, and intimidation of voters and election officials that plagued Michigan’s 2020 election. Despite initial legal challenges, the Supreme Court has upheld most of the rules, requiring challengers to fill out specific credentialing forms and limiting communication with election inspectors.
The ruling follows previous legal battles, including a trial court decision invalidating certain rules, which was temporarily halted by the Supreme Court on the eve of the 2022 election. The Court of Appeals also agreed that some rules contravened state law, prompting the review of the rules by the state Supreme Court.
The Michigan Democratic Party supported Benson’s rules, citing the need for clarity and unified direction in light of challenges during the 2020 election. Some challengers, including one of the plaintiffs in the case, have been accused of harassing election officials.
State election officials will now need to make slight revisions to the rules based on the court’s decision. The ruling is seen as a victory for Benson and the Democratic Party in ensuring fair and secure elections in Michigan.
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