A Veterans Group Responds To Trump's Lawsuit Over Voter Registration In Michigan

A veterans group has recently taken a stand against a lawsuit propelled by Donald Trump's campaign, which seeks to alter voter registration areas in Michigan. This legal action has been described by the group as "frankly insulting."

The lawsuit, initiated in July by the Republican National Committee (RNC) and Trump's campaign, targets Michigan's Democratic Governor, Gretchen Whitmer. It accuses her of exceeding her legal authority by converting several Michigan centers, notably the Detroit Michigan Department of Veterans Affairs office, into voter registration hubs in 2023. The plaintiffs argue that allowing voter registration at these locations is unlawful and selectively enforced, claiming that only the state Legislature has the authority to make such designations under Michigan law.

The Vet Voice Foundation, affiliated with progressive veterans group VoteVets, along with Priorities USA, a Democratic campaign organization, has rallied behind Governor Whitmer’s defense. Although both groups initially sought to join the case as parties, their requests were denied in August 2024. Instead, they opted to file an amicus brief on September 27, aimed at supporting the governor's stance in this contentious legal battle.

A press release from Priorities USA, dated September 30, labeled the lawsuit as "meritless." According to the release, "The individuals providing [voter registration] services are strictly prohibited from partisan activities and from conditioning other services or benefits on either registering or not registering to vote." The release further stated that eliminating voter registration at VA and SBA offices would significantly hinder access for members of the Vet Voice Foundation and other Michiganders eager to register.

Janessa Goldbeck, CEO of the Vet Voice Foundation, expressed her disappointment in the lawsuit, stating, "This case is meritless and frankly insulting to those who've sacrificed in defense of America." She emphasized that this legal challenge aims to hinder veterans’ ability to register to vote, which is a fundamental right.

In the backdrop of this legal dispute, the GOP’s Election Integrity Communications team was reached for comment, while the Trump Campaign and the RNC were contacted outside of work hours. The original court filing indicated concerns from the RNC and its members regarding the adherence to Michigan statutes governing voter registration agencies, claiming it undermines election integrity.

As the deadline for online and mail voter registration nears on October 21, Michigan voters are reminded that they can still register on election day at their polling locations. Jonathan Diaz, director of voting advocacy and partnerships at the Campaign Legal Center, commented that this lawsuit aligns with the RNC’s broader strategy against expanding voter registration opportunities, especially involving federal agencies.

In a related case, Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach and Montana AG Austin Knudsen are suing the Biden Administration over its executive order facilitating federal agencies’ help in voter registration. This executive order was also instrumental in allowing Governor Whitmer to broaden voter registration at VA facilities.

The AGs argue that Biden's executive order undermines the states' authority over their elections and could potentially tilt the political landscape in favor of Democrats. Knudsen has previously stated, "I will not stand by while the Biden-Harris administration attempts to shamelessly garner votes by employing its own agencies to register voters and disregard states' own voter registration systems, putting the integrity of our elections at risk."

In conclusion, the lawsuit reflects ongoing tensions surrounding voter registration practices in Michigan and broader implications for voting rights across the United States. As this situation unfolds, the rights of veterans and their ability to participate in the electoral process remain at the forefront.