RNC and Michigan GOP sue over election ballot counting issues

The Republican National Committee (RNC) and the Michigan Republican Party have initiated legal action against Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, claiming her guidance on counting absentee ballots during the primary election violates state law. The lawsuit, announced on a Tuesday, highlights that Michigan law mandates matching absentee ballot stub numbers with those in the poll book or ballot return envelope. However, Benson's instructions allowed local clerks to process ballots even when stub numbers were missing or mismatched, categorizing them as 'challenged' rather than rejecting them as required. During the August primary, RNC Election Integrity staff observed absentee ballots being tabulated without the necessary stub numbers, prompting the lawsuit. The RNC seeks a court ruling to declare Benson's guidance invalid and enforce compliance with existing election laws. They argue that the integrity of the electoral process is at stake, emphasizing the need for strict adherence to ballot number matching as a safeguard against potential fraud. RNC Chairman Michael Whatley criticized Benson's actions, asserting that they undermine the electoral process and expose it to risks of cheating. He reiterated the commitment of the RNC to ensure that voting remains accessible while maintaining stringent measures against fraud. Michigan GOP Chairman Pete Hoekstra echoed these sentiments, stating that legal action against the Secretary of State has become a necessary step to uphold election integrity in the state. The ongoing legal battle reflects broader concerns about election security and the adherence to established laws, as both parties prepare for the upcoming elections. The outcome of this lawsuit could have significant implications for how absentee ballots are handled in Michigan moving forward.