Since last week’s Executive Order targeting mail-in voting, multiple lawsuits have been filed in response to the order.

A coalition of civil rights and voting rights organizations, including Common Cause, the League of Women Voters, the NAACP, the League of United Latin American Citizens, and Mi Familia Vota, has filed suit to block the order, stating that it interferes with established election processes and limits access for eligible voters, especially those who rely on mail-in voting or have difficulty obtaining documentary proof of citizenship.

The lawsuit also states that the order would impose unlawful restrictions and introduce new barriers to voting.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has joined a multi-state lawsuit challenging the Executive Order, arguing that it is unconstitutional, attempts to override state authority over elections, restricts voter eligibility, and directs USPS to transmit mail-in or absentee ballots only to voters on state-specific lists.

The case also includes California, Massachusetts, Nevada, Washington, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania.

WHAT THIS MEANS

These legal challenges are centered on a core issue: who has the authority to run elections.

States determine how elections are conducted, including how mail-in voting works. The lawsuits argue that this order attempts to bypass that authority by creating federal citizenship lists and requiring USPS to transmit mail-in or absentee ballots only to voters on state-specific lists.

In Michigan, mail-in voting is widely used. State election data shows that over 2.2 million Michigan voters voted by mail in 2024, and more than 25% of active registered Michigan voters had joined the permanent vote-by-mail list.

Changes to mail-in voting policies would directly impact participation in elections, especially voters who depend on mail-in voting.

RESPONSE FROM MICHIGAN LEADERS

While Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is part of the multi-state lawsuit challenging the Executive Order, Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson announced that the will make it harder, will make it harder for eligible Michigan citizens to vote, and will be challenged in court.

Michigan elected officials across the state have also stated they will oppose efforts to restrict mail-in voting and defend current voting options.

Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson has also raised concerns about proposals tied to the order, including the creation of a national voter list, and how those efforts could affect people’s ability to vote and data privacy.

WHY THIS MATTERS

Mail-in voting is not a secondary option for many voters.

For people in jail who are legally eligible to vote, it is the only way to cast a ballot.

For voters without reliable transportation, unstable housing, disabilities, or work constraints, mail-in voting is often the most accessible option.

Changes to mail-in voting do not affect all voters equally. They add new obstacles for people who already have difficulty participating.

WHAT VAAC WANTS OUR COMMUNITY TO KNOW

Mail-in voting is secure and remains a reliable option. Elections are run by states, and state officials are responsible for how voting is administered. This executive order is an attempt to keep people from voting. Michigan is challenging it in court alongside other states and civil rights and voting rights organizations.

Check your registration (https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/Voter/Index), make a plan to vote, and stay connected with VAAC for further updates.