Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has taken a decisive step in expanding voter registration by allowing various government agencies to assist in the process. This move, however, has sparked a legal battle as Republicans, including Donald Trump’s presidential campaign, have filed a lawsuit to block these efforts. They argue that the involvement of agencies like the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the state’s Bureau of Services for Blind Persons in voter registration is illegal and threatens the integrity of elections. But how is including vulnerable groups frowned upon? Shouldn’t we ensure everyone, especially those often marginalized, has a voice in our democracy?
The lawsuit, filed in the federal court of Michigan’s western district, targets Whitmer, state election officials, and two federal agencies. The plaintiffs argue that these voter registration measures violate both state and federal statutes, thereby diminishing public confidence in the security and integrity of elections. The Republican National Committee, Michigan Republican Party, and Ryan Kidd, the clerk of Georgetown Township in Ottawa County, are among the plaintiffs. Kidd seeks judicial guidance on managing voter registration applications submitted through these government offices.
Federal law designates certain offices as “voter registration agencies,” which can provide registration materials, assist individuals in completing applications, and forward the completed forms to election officials. Despite these provisions, GOP attorneys claim, without substantiating evidence, that expanding the number of voter registration sites threatens election integrity by increasing the risk of ineligible individuals registering to vote. But is this not making the voter 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 his reelection bid. The Atlantic reported in July that, at Trump’s insistence, his campaign and the Republican National Committee have redirected voter outreach resources into a massive “election-integrity program,” employing a substantial number of lawyers on retainer.
In response to a 2021 executive order from President Joe Biden, which directed federal agencies to explore ways to expand voter participation, Whitmer signed agreements in late 2023 and early 2024 with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the Small Business Administration. These agreements were intended to facilitate voter registration at key sites frequented by veterans, such as the Saginaw VA Medical Center, Detroit VA Medical Center, and the Detroit Regional Office.
Whitmer also issued an executive order designating various offices, including those related to veterans affairs, disability services, housing, and employment, as voter registration agencies. The plaintiffs in the lawsuit argue that Whitmer’s actions were unlawful because they lacked legislative approval, a requirement under state law. But shouldn’t we be embracing efforts to make voter registration more accessible? Next thing you know, Trump will say there are too many opportunities for Black people to vote with new early voting policies in place.
The plaintiffs contend that these purported violations of state law erode public trust in the electoral process and discourage voter participation, which they claim will negatively impact the electoral prospects of Republican candidates. This lawsuit is part of a broader series of legal challenges by the Republican National Committee regarding election administration in Michigan, addressing issues ranging from signature-matching standards to the maintenance of voter rolls.
Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson has faced several legal defeats, with courts ruling that her department failed to adhere to Michigan’s rulemaking procedures when implementing certain election guidelines. These ongoing legal disputes underscore the intense debate over election administration, voter access, and the balance between ensuring election security and facilitating voter participation in Michigan. Is it not crucial to make our democracy as inclusive and accessible as possible?
About Post Author
