Priorities USA Statement on Michigan Transportation Ban Case
On Wednesday, the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in favor of the Republican-controlled Michigan Legislature by invalidating an earlier victory in a legal challenge to Michigan’s voter transportation ban. The case was funded by Priorities on behalf of Rise Inc., the Detroit/Downriver Chapter of the A. Philip Randolph Institute and individual voters. The decision reversed an earlier ruling that struck down the ban which makes it a misdemeanor to pay to transport voters to the polls unless they are physically unable to walk. Michigan is the only state in the nation that prohibits neighbors, community organizations, political groups, and rideshare companies like Uber from using their financial resources to help Michiganders get to the polls. Priorities USA Chairman Guy Cecil issued the following statement in response to the recent ruling:
“It is extremely disappointing to see a federal court actively disenfranchise Americans and we are exploring next steps to determine what would be best for the voters in Michigan,” said Priorities USA Chairman Guy Cecil. “The decision by the Sixth Circuit runs contrary to the very foundations of what it means to participate in a democracy and it is shameful that the Republican-controlled Michigan Legislature continues to waste public resources in support of their blatantly political goals to prevent their constituents from accessing the ballot. Despite this, we will not let up on our larger fight to combat a coordinated effort by the Republican Party to restrict the right to vote and disproportionately diminish the political power of Black and Brown communities. I remain optimistic that we will win the larger fight to empower as many Americans as possible to have their voice heard in our democracy.”