WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the Republican National Committee (RNC) sued Democrat Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson over new rules that restrict election challengers and undermine transparency in Michigan elections.
"For years, Democrats have attacked poll watchers and election challengers," said RNC Chairman Joe Gruters. "Now, Jocelyn Benson is trying to sideline the citizens who help keep elections transparent. Michigan voters deserve oversight, not secrecy, and the RNC will fight every Democrat attempt to weaken election integrity."
Background:
Today, the RNC filed a lawsuit challenging new rules issued by Democrat Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson that restrict election challengers and make it harder for citizens to observe the election process.
Benson's rules violate Michigan law and are part of a broader effort by Democrats to limit election oversight.
The unconstitutional rules allow government officials to limit how many challengers can enter polling places, restrict where challengers can stand, prohibit them from bringing chairs, and limit observation of vote tabulation activities.
Election challengers serve as independent observers who help ensure election officials follow the law and conduct elections transparently.
This lawsuit filed in the Michigan Court of Claims urges the court to block Benson's unlawful restrictions and protect the rights of Michigan citizens to observe the election process as permitted by state law.
The RNC previously defeated Benson's unlawful restrictions on poll challengers in Michigan and has successfully fought efforts to limit election observers in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and North Carolina.
