The Latest: Michigan to quickly appeal straight-party ruling
LANSING, Mich. – The Latest on Michigan’s new straight-party voting ban (all times local):
12 p.m.
Michigan says it will file an emergency appeal asking the entire 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to consider the state’s new ban against straight-party voting.
A panel of three judges at the Cincinnati-based federal court rejected Wednesday the state’s request to immediately halt a lower ruling that blocked the Republican-sponsored law.
Attorney General Bill Schuette says Michigan “is no different” than 40 other states that do not allow straight-ticket voting, which lets voters cast votes for all candidates from one party with a single mark.
U.S. District Judge Gershwin Drain blocked the law last month, saying it would cause long lines and place a “disproportionate burden” on black voters in November’s election.
___
11:20 a.m.
A federal appeals court has rejected the state of Michigan’s request to immediately halt a lower ruling that blocked a ban against straight-party voting.
A panel of three judges with the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati declined Secretary of State Ruth Johnson’s motion for a stay on Wednesday.
U.S. District Judge Gershwin Drain blocked the new Republican-backed law last month, saying it would place a “disproportionate burden” on black voters in the fall election.
Straight-ticket voting, which lets voters support an entire slate of one party’s candidates with a single mark, is popular in Michigan cities with large black populations. It has been on the books for more than 100 years and has been a common choice in some counties that are steadfastly loyal to Republicans, too.
Join the Conversation!
Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?
You must be logged in to post a comment.