Today, Priorities USA announced it was supporting and funding the Detroit/Downriver chapter of the A. Philip Randolph Institute’s (DAPRI) motion to intervene as a defendant in DeVisser v. Benson and O’Halloran v. Benson. The suits were filed by Republican-backed groups and challenge changes to the 2022 Election Challenger Instructions, which govern the appointment, rights, and responsibilities of election challengers.

DAPRI argues that the 2022 Instructions set forth clear and specific instructions for election challengers, which, in turn, protect DAPRI’s members and constituents and advance DAPRI’s pro-democracy mission. If the 2022 Election Challenger Instructions are rescinded, DAPRI’s members who serve as poll watchers and election inspectors will lose much-needed protections against challenger-initiated voter intimidation and harassment of pro-democracy groups and Black and Brown voters.

The intervention seeks to dismiss the plaintiffs’ challenge to the 2022 Election Challenger Instructions.

“Voter intimidation is not new, but we know that this election will present unique challenges to those seeking to protect the right to vote. Marginalized communities are constantly subject to intimidation at the polls, and the 2022 Election Challenger Instructions serve as a layer of protection against these threats,” said Priorities USA Deputy Executive Director Aneesa McMillan. “The lawsuits filed against Michigan election officials are a partisan attempt by Republicans to further disrupt the electoral process and target those who seek to ensure that our elections are free and fair. Priorities has consistently stood against voter intimidation, and we are confident that our support for this challenge will deliver relief for Michiganders in their effort to access their fundamental right to vote.”