Michigan Supreme Court Upholds Election Challenger Rules

The Michigan Supreme Court has upheld most of Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson's 2022 guidance for election challengers, allowing its implementation for the upcoming presidential election on November 5. The court's 4-3 decision confirmed Benson's authority to issue these guidelines without undergoing the full rule-making process, citing her role as the chief election officer. This ruling follows a lawsuit from Republican challengers who argued the rules, including a uniform credentialing process and communication protocols, violated state law. However, the court did strike down provisions that allowed a challenger liaison to dismiss challenges without proper documentation. The decision reflects ongoing tensions surrounding election integrity and the role of partisan challengers in Michigan's electoral process. The ruling aims to prevent potential disruptions and ensure orderly conduct during elections.