Michigan judge dismisses RNC lawsuit aimed at easing poll challenger rules

In a decision by Michigan Court of Claims Judge Randy Wallace, the Republican National Committee's effort to relax rules for partisan poll challengers was dismissed as untimely. The judge explained that the RNC waited beyond the permissible period, leaving insufficient time for election officials to implement any changes before November's midterm elections. He highlighted that poll challengers, unlike poll watchers, can question voter eligibility, and that recent actions by Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson aim to prevent frivolous disputes that could stall ballot counting.

Wallace cited legal precedents on laches, stating the plaintiffs failed to overcome the presumption of unreasonable delay. The ruling underscores the court's view that the proposed relief would create complex procedural burdens for the state. Ultimately, the complaint was barred, preserving the existing safeguards on ballot processing.