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Michigan Court of Appeals deals blow to lawsuit tied to 2020 election

voting sign
Reginald Hardwick
/
WKAR-MSU

There's been another loss in court for those trying to litigate Michigan’s 2020 presidential election.

The Michigan Court of Appeals has upheld a lower-court ruling dismissing a lawsuit which challenged millions of dollars given to hundreds of local clerks’ offices before the 2020 election.

The money came from a foundation run by social media billionaire Mark Zuckerberg and his wife Priscilla Chan. The stated intent of the donations was to help the clerks conduct the election during the COVID-19 pandemic.

But some Republican voters sued, claiming the real intent was to serve as a “Get Out The Vote” effort to help Democrat Joe Biden. Biden won Michigan and the presidency.

Last year, a Michigan Court of Claims judge dismissed the suit.

“Meritless lawsuits undermine citizens’ well-placed faith in our elections and remain one of the weapons used in the ongoing, multifaceted and well-funded attack on American democracy,” said Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel.

There's no word yet as to whether the plaintiffs plan to appeal.

Last year, Michigan voters approved a ballot proposal which included a provision allowing clerks to accept charitable donations to help with elections.

Steve Carmody has been a reporter for Michigan Radio since 2005. Steve previously worked at public radio and television stations in Florida, Oklahoma and Kentucky, and also has extensive experience in commercial broadcasting.