Michigan judge tosses GOP lawsuit that aimed to make it easier to challenge voter eligibility

In a victory for voters, a Michigan judge dismissed a lawsuit brought by the Republican National Committee (RNC) that sought to make it easier for partisan poll challengers to dispute voter eligibility and interrupt the state’s ballot-counting process.

Michigan Court of Claims Judge Randy Wallace found that the complaint was “barred by laches,” meaning the RNC waited too long to file its lawsuit, leaving election officials too little time to implement changes before voters head to the polls for November’s midterms. 

The RNC sued Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson (D) in June to overturn guidance she issued in October 2024 limiting the number of poll challengers at each voting location. 

Poll challengers are citizens appointed by political parties and nonpartisan groups to observe the ballot-counting process at polling places. Challengers differ from poll watchers in that they have the authority to challenge a voter’s eligibility or question election administration procedures if they have good reason to believe something is wrong.

Benson’s guidance, which was added to Michigan’s administrative rules in May 2026, aimed to make it more difficult for poll challengers to lodge frivolous challenges that delay or disrupt the ballot-counting process.