Republican Lawmakers in Michigan Appeal Dismissal of Legal Challenge to Pro-Voting Constitutional Amendments

The battle over voting rights in Michigan continues as Republican lawmakers appeal the dismissal of their federal legal challenge to pro-voting constitutional amendments. These amendments, approved by voters in 2018 and 2022, include provisions such as the right to cast an absentee ballot for any reason and automatic voter registration.

The GOP legislators based their arguments on the rejected independent state legislature (ISL) theory, claiming that voter-approved amendments regulating federal elections infringe on the state legislature’s rights. A federal judge ruled in April that the lawmakers lacked standing to bring their claims, but they have now appealed to the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

This appeal seeks to resurrect the ISL theory and invalidate the pro-voting amendments, despite the Democratic-controlled Legislature already codifying them into law. Similar challenges are also being made in Pennsylvania, where Republican legislators are asking the U.S. Supreme Court to take up a lawsuit challenging automatic voter registration policies.

The outcome of these legal battles could have significant implications for voting rights in both Michigan and Pennsylvania. Stay tuned for updates as the cases progress.