
(RepublicanReport.org) – On June 20, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer made an announcement regarding voting in her state. The governor explained that her administration was actively trying to “expand access to [voter] registration” in Michigan and ensure her constituents had “accurate information about voting.” Whitmer also designated additional locations as voter registration agencies to accomplish her mission.
On July 15, the Republican National Committee (RNC) and the Trump campaign sued Whitmer, Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, and parts of the Biden administration for establishing the new “agencies for the registration of voters.” RNC Chairman Michael Whatley said it was illegal for the plaintiffs to give “federal agencies the power to conduct voter registration” for the state.
Whitmer’s previous move designated multiple locations of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Small Business Administration (SBA) for this purpose. The lawsuit stated that, in doing so, her office violated the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (NVRA).
Whatley accused the defendants of purposefully and illegally trying to “manipulate” the upcoming election, adding the RNC would halt the action to ensure “election integrity.” NVRA requires that states use state and local agencies to offer voter registration opportunities. Therefore, the plaintiffs believe Whitmer and others overreached by establishing the SBA and VA locations for this purpose. Whatley said those agencies were not previously authorized by Michigan or federal law.
The RNC and Trump campaign said that the “unlawful operation” of the SBA and VA as voter registration agencies has caused them “economic, financial, and political injury.” They are seeking a “permanent injunction” from the US District Court in the Western District of Michigan to declare the locations “invalid.”
Michigan Democratic Party Chair Lavora Barnes called the lawsuit a “sham” but “no surprise.” She accused the plaintiffs of “planting distrust in [America’s] democratic systems.” Whitmer and the other defendants have not publicly commented about the matter.
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