On Monday, the RNC, Trump Campaign, and Michigan GOP sued the Biden Administration and Michigan’s governor and secretary of state for illegally using federal government agencies and resources under the pretext of Pres. Biden’s controversial “voter access” order.
The lawsuit is the latest in a growing number court challenges filed against the implementation of Biden’s Executive Order 14019, which requires all federal agencies to actively recruit and register voters, as well as to partner with third parties in their efforts.
The Republicans’ lawsuit charges Democrat Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson with violating both Michigan and federal laws to use government resources and give federal agencies the power to conduct voter registration in Michigan.
“This is an illegal attempt by Biden, Whitmer, Benson, and the party in power to manipulate our country’s most important election,” RNC Chairman Michael Whatley said, announcing the lawsuit. “The federal government should not be using American taxpayers’ dollars to conduct unauthorized voter registration activities.”
The Biden Administration has deputized thousands of taxpayer funded government employees to benefit the Biden Campaign, the announcement explains:
“Governor Whitmer and Secretary Benson have designated Small Business Administration and Department of Veteran’s Affairs offices in Michigan as voter registration agencies – contrary to Michigan and federal law, which do not authorize them to make such designations.”
Gov. Whitmer exceeded her authority under Michigan law, because only the state’s legislature can designate Voter Registration Agencies (VRAs), the lawsuit notes. Likewise, the Biden Administration violated the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA), it says.
“On an ongoing and systemic basis, the SBA and VA have violated, and unless enjoined, will continue to violate the election laws of the State of Michigan related to the designation of VRAs,” the lawsuit warns, noting that the violations injure Republican candidates, voters and party members – and especially Trump’s bid for the presidency:
“The SBA and VA’s continued operation as VRAs – where their designations do not meet the VRA-designation requirements embodied in the laws of the State of Michigan - injures the Trump Campaign, the RNC, and MRP as well as their members, voters, and candidates by undermining confidence in the integrity of the electoral process and discouraging participation in the democratic process, which will harm the electoral prospects of Republican candidates.
“The SBA and VA’s continued operation as VRAs – where their designations do not meet the VRA-designation requirements embodied in the laws of the State of Michigan – injures the Trump Campaign, the RNC, and MRP as well as their members, voters, and candidates, who have a right to vote and compete in lawfully structured elections that comply with the procedures and protections required by the NVRA and Michigan election law.”
Michigan’s partnerships with the SBA and VA have “prompted a Congressional Investigation as well as a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) suit,” the lawsuit notes.
On May 7, House Committee on Small Business Chairman Rep. Roger Williams (R-Texas) subpoenaed the special advisor to the Small Business Administration (SBA) and SBA’s chief of staff because the agency has refused to answer the Committee’s questions about potential electioneering activities as part of the voter registration initiative. Specifically, Williams is probing the Memorandum of Understanding that SBA entered into with Michigan’s Secretary of State to register voters.
Voter integrity groups like America First Legal Foundation have also filed lawsuits attempting to obtain information about the voter registration scheme. The Heritage Oversight Project has filed FOIA lawsuit, as well.
In Pennsylvania, more than two dozen Republican lawmakers are asking the U.S. Supreme Court to take up their case and declare Biden’s executive order unconstitutional.