Michigan Judge Upholds Voting Rights for Overseas Americans

In a significant legal decision, a Michigan judge has dismissed a Republican Party lawsuit intended to prevent certain U.S. citizens living overseas from voting in the pivotal state of Michigan. The lawsuit was filed by the Republican National Committee earlier this month, contesting Michigan's election laws, which the party argued improperly allowed voters who had never lived in the state to cast ballots.

Michigan Court of Claims Judge Sima Patel ruled that the language in question, which was challenged by the Republicans, aligns with existing federal and state law. "There is no ground to invalidate it," Patel stated in her decision. According to Michigan's election officials, a U.S. citizen who has never resided in the U.S. but has a connection through a parental or spousal figure last living in Michigan remains eligible to vote there, provided they have not voted or registered in another state.

In response to the lawsuit, RNC Chairman Michael Whatley expressed concerns that residents of Michigan might have their votes diluted by individuals who have never lived within the state. The RNC has yet to issue a statement following the judge's ruling. Data from the Federal Voting Assistance Program indicates that out of 2.9 million eligible overseas voters in 2020, less than 8% participated in the election.