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Challenging Absentee-Ballot Procedures in Detroit During an Infectious Pandemic

Robert Timothy Reagan
August 1, 2023

Reed-Pratt v. Winfrey (Robert H. Cleland, E.D. Mich. 3:20-cv-12129) and Davis v. Benson (1:20-cv-915) and Johnson v. Benson (1:20-cv-948) (Paul L. Maloney, W.D. Mich.)
During the global Covid-19 infectious pandemic, federal actions in Michigan challenged mailing out unsolicited absentee-ballot applications and counting absentee ballots received after election day. Recognizing the complexity of applying state law on the matters during the pandemic, district judges in each of Michigan’s two districts stayed federal claims pending a related action in state court. The federal judges denied the plaintiffs immediate relief.
Subject: Absentee and early voting. Topics: Absentee ballots; Covid-19; matters for state courts; intervention; enforcing orders; primary election.

One of many Case Studies in Emergency Election Litigation.

Downloadable file:
PDF icon Case Study 4 pages

Tags:
Election Litigation | Absentee Ballots | Early Voting | Enforcing Orders | Intervention | Matters for State Courts | Primary Election | Emergency Proceedings | Covid-19 | U.S. District Courts | E.D. Mich.