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Michigan Court Of Appeals Says “No” To Election Challenge

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Updated 8:11 p.m. EST 11/16/20

 

With a critical Tuesday deadline looming, Republican challengers unhappy with Election Day vote counting lost their latest challenge in a decision handed down by the Michigan Court of Appeals.

In an emergency appeal filed Monday, Republican poll challengers asked the court to stop the certification by 5 pm Tuesday of the votes in Wayne County. Because Wayne has the most voters, that would essentially slow or stop certifying the statewide results as well.

The appeals court issued a terse order rejecting the motion “… for failure to persuade the Court of the existence of manifest error requiring reversal…”

The plaintiffs’ unusual request asked the appeals court to grant the motion without arguments. The next stop would likely be the Michigan Supreme Court.

At the same time, these GOP challengers dropped a separate case that was filed in a federal court.

“This case was clearly designed to spread misinformation about the security and integrity of Michigan elections,” Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said in a written statement. “Our elections have been conducted fairly and transparently, and the results reflect the will of Michigan voters. Any claims to the contrary are wholly without merit.”

Supporters of President Donald Trump and the Trump campaign itself have failed so far in all their legal challenges to the process or the results of Michigan’s November 3rd elections.

Rick Pluta is Senior Capitol Correspondent for the Michigan Public Radio Network. He has been covering Michigan’s Capitol, government, and politics since 1987. His journalism background includes stints with UPI, The Elizabeth (NJ) Daily Journal, The (Pontiac, MI) Oakland Press, and WJR. He is also a lifelong public radio listener.
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