A federal judge in New Jersey is asking the Michigan Republican Party to explain its Election Day anti-fraud plan.
A 1982 consent decree prohibits voter intimidation as a part of Election Day ballot security programs. Under the decree, the Republican National Committee must allow the court to review its Election Day plans.
But Democrats say the RNC, may be violating the decree. They say Michigan GOP chair Ronna Romney McDaniel may be part of that scheme. The order specifically calls for Romney McDaniel to explain the state GOP’s Election Day anti-fraud effort.
Brandon Dillon is the Michigan Democratic Party chair.
“She has been suggesting that people should be out monitoring polling places to protect against a fictional voter fraud effort and that’s what’s most concerning here.”
Sarah Anderson is Romney McDaniel’s spokesperson. She says they are not doing anything differently this election than in previous years.
“By the way, the Democrats do this as well. They send poll watchers across the state of Michigan. If any voter is feeling intimidated or if anybody is violating that agreement and speaking with voters or contacting voters, then I encourage voters to report that.”
The federal judge’s order asks the RNC to give all requested documents to the court by 5:00 today. Anderson says Michigan Republicans have not received the order.
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—Cheyna Roth is a reporter for the Michigan Public Radio network. Contact WEMU News at 734.487.3363 or email us at studio@wemu.org
