Michigan’s Republican Party sues Governor Whitmer over voter registration expansion: A fight against inclusivity?
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has taken a critical step toward expanding voter registration by allowing various government agencies to assist in the process. But that move has sparked a legal battle, as Republicans, including Donald Trump’s presidential campaign, have filed a lawsuit to block the effort. They argue that the involvement of agencies like the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the state Office of Blind Services in voter registration is illegal and threatens election integrity. But why is the inclusion of disadvantaged groups frowned upon? Shouldn’t we ensure that everyone, especially those who are often marginalized, has a voice in our democracy?
The lawsuit, filed in federal court for the Western District of Michigan, targets Whitmer, state election officials and two federal agencies. The plaintiffs argue that these voter registration measures violate both state and federal law, thereby undermining public confidence in the security and integrity of elections. The plaintiffs include the Republican National Committee, the Michigan Republican Party and Ryan Kidd, the clerk of Georgetown Township in Kent County. Kidd is seeking court guidance on how to process voter registration applications submitted through these government agencies.
Federal law designates certain offices as “voter registration centers” that can provide registration materials, help people fill out applications, and forward completed forms to election officials. Despite these provisions, Republican lawyers claim, without evidence, that expanding the number of voter registration centers threatens election integrity by increasing the risk that ineligible people will register to vote. But won’t this make the voting process more diverse and accessible to all? Shouldn’t every eligible voter have the opportunity to register, regardless of their circumstances?
Donald Trump’s campaign has made “election integrity” a cornerstone of its re-election campaign. The Atlantic reported in July that, at Trump’s urging, his campaign and the Republican National Committee have diverted their voter outreach resources to a massive “election integrity program” that employs a significant number of attorneys on a retainer basis.
In response to a 2021 executive order from President Joe Biden directing federal agencies to look for ways to expand voter participation, Whitmer signed agreements with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the Small Business Administration in late 2023 and early 2024. These agreements were designed to facilitate voter registration at key sites frequented by veterans, such as the Saginaw VA Medical Center, the Detroit VA Medical Center and the Detroit Regional Office.
Whitmer also issued an executive order designating several offices, including those for veterans affairs, disability services, housing and employment, as voter registration authorities. The plaintiffs in the lawsuit argue that Whitmer’s actions were unlawful because they lacked the legislative approval required under state law. But shouldn’t we support efforts to make voter registration more accessible? And before you know it, Trump will be saying that with the new early voting policies, there are too many opportunities for Black people to cast their ballots.
The plaintiffs claim that these alleged violations of state law undermine public confidence in the electoral process and reduce voter turnout, which they say will negatively impact Republican candidates’ electoral chances. This lawsuit is part of a larger series of lawsuits brought by the Republican National Committee regarding Michigan’s election administration, addressing issues such as signature-matching standards and voter roll maintenance.
Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson has suffered several legal defeats as courts ruled that her department did not follow Michigan legislative procedures when implementing certain election policies. These ongoing legal battles underscore the intense debate over election administration, voter access, and the balance between ensuring election security and facilitating voter participation in Michigan. Isn’t it critical to make our democracy as inclusive and accessible as possible?
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