Appeal asks Michigan Supreme Court to reverse Court of Appeals ruling

LANSING – The League of Women Voters of Michigan today filed an appeal in the Michigan Supreme Court to protect absentee voting rights created by Proposal 3, which voters overwhelmingly approved in 2018.

The League’s original lawsuit against the Secretary of State was filed with the Court of Appeals in May. The Court of Appeals ruled 2-1 against the League on July 14.

The League has asked the Michigan Supreme Court to reverse the Court of Appeals decision upholding the requirement that absentee ballots be received by local clerks by 8 pm on Election Day. That requirement will disenfranchise tens of thousands of voters who exercise their constitutional right under Proposal 3 to vote absentee by mail at any time during the 40 days prior to an election.

“The unconstitutional barriers to absentee voting in Michigan, must be corrected immediately,” said Christina Schlitt, president of the League of Women Voters of Michigan. “We have asked the Court to issue a decision by Sept. 4 so voters, candidates and election officials know the rules well in advance of the November general election. This will ensure voting is accessible and convenient for every registered voter in Michigan.”

The appeal filings can be accessed via this link.

For a further explanation,  read this article in Bridge.