The Michigan Democratic Party released the following statement from Chairwoman Lavora Barnes on today’s Court of Claims decision.
“We applaud the ruling by Judge Cynthia Stephens today that affirms what we already knew, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson was well within her authority to mail absentee ballot voter applications to all eligible voters in Michigan.
Secretary Benson is working tirelessly to ensure that all voters in Michigan have the ability to cast ballots in every election, whether that be from the comfort of their home or in a traditional polling location. This is simply part of the 2018 citizen-led referendum on our election laws which included making voting accessible to everyone.
The Michigan Republicans continue to engage in these run of the mill voter suppression efforts. The lawsuits, that were thrown out today, represent the GOP’s attempts to discourage Michiganders from casting a vote. Michigan Republicans are wasting Secretary Benson’s time and that of the courts. Benson is focused on keeping people safe and ensuring they can cast a vote, while the Republicans are hell-bent on taking away your right to vote.”