RNC, Michigan GOP File Motion to Intervene in Battleground Voting Rights Case

The Republican National Committee and Michigan Republican Party last week filed a motion to intervene in a lawsuit over the right of organizers to participate in elections.

The underlying lawsuit was filed by Priorities USA, a Democratic super PAC, in November. It challenges Michigan state laws that restrict organizers from helping voters submit absentee ballots and makes it a misdemeanor to organize vehicles to transport voters to their polling places unless the voters are physically unable to walk.

The plaintiff organization says the rules, whether considered separately or in concert, create a severe burden on Michigan voters, particularly those who are seniors, have disabilities or are members of a minority group.

In their motion to intervene, the Republicans claim Priorities USA has failed to demonstrate that any appreciable number of voters would be disenfranchised by the existing laws.

They go on to state that the laws are “constitutionally valid statutes that the legislature has enacted to help structure and ensure the integrity of the electoral environment.”

“If Plaintiffs prevail and enforcement of the statutes is enjoined, the Michigan Republican Party, RNC, and their candidates will face ‘a broader range of competitive tactics than the law would otherwise allow,’” the motion says.

“In particular, candidates should not face the risk that absentee ballot applications submitted in their races will be destroyed, manipulated, or otherwise fraudulently altered by unknown actors,” it adds.

In a statement on Twitter, RNC Chair Ronna McDaniel declared the party is “going  to utilize RNC resources to aggressively defend the integrity of the democratic process and support the right of all eligible voters to cast an effective ballot.”