Priorities USA and Alliance for Retired Americans Statement on Latest Voting Rights Ruling in Michigan
Today the Michigan Court of Appeals panel ruled in favor of the Republican-controlled Michigan Legislature — invalidating an earlier victory in a case brought by the Michigan Alliance for Retired Americans, the Detroit/Downriver Chapter of the A. Philip Randolph Institute, and individual voters, which was funded by Priorities USA. The latest decision reversed a previous ruling by the Court of Claims which extended the state’s ballot-receipt deadline to 14 days after Election Day for all ballots postmarked by the day before Election Day and overturned the state’s ban on assisting voters with turning in their completed, sealed ballots during the four days before Election Day. Priorities USA Chairman Guy Cecil and Alliance for Retired Americans Executive Director Richard Fiesta issued the following statements:
“This decision runs contrary to the right of every American to make their voices heard in our elections,” said Priorities USA Chairman Guy Cecil. “It is shameful that Michigan Republicans continue to waste public resources on their attempts to prevent their own constituents from exercising their right to vote. Despite this minor setback, we plan to appeal this decision and continue our fight to ensure that every voter has the opportunity to cast their ballot without restriction.”
“We are disappointed by the Appeals Court decision and we are prepared to appeal,” said Richard Fiesta, Executive Director of the Alliance for Retired Americans. “We continue to believe that all voters, especially seniors who need to stay in place, whose mail ballots are delayed for reasons beyond their control should have their ballots counted.”