League of Women Voters of Michigan v. Benson
What's at Stake
The American Civil Liberties Union, ACLU of Michigan, Arnold & Porter, and Goodman Acker filed a lawsuit on May 22, 2020, challenging Michigan’s requirement that absentee ballots be received by Election Day in order to be counted.
Summary
The people of Michigan overwhelmingly approved Proposal 3, a 2018 ballot initiative that gave voters a constitutional right to submit an absentee ballot, including by mail, at any point during the 40 days before the election.
An Election Day return deadline for absentee ballots, as opposed to a postmark deadline, violates this right and could illegally lead to thousands of voters being disenfranchised by their absentee ballot being rejected.
The groups are seeking an expedited decision due to the fast-approaching August 4 primary and November 3 general election.
Legal Documents
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08/17/2020
Motion for Reconsideration
Date Filed: 08/17/2020
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07/14/2020
ORDER from the Michigan Court of Appeals
Date Filed: 07/14/2020
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05/22/2020
COMPLAINT - League of Women Voters of Michigan v. Benson
Date Filed: 05/22/2020
Download DocumentPress Releases
ACLU and Partners Vow to Appeal Ruling that Michigan Absentee Ballots Must be Received by Election Day
ACLU and Partners Challenge Michigan Absentee Ballot Deadline