Michigan Republican Party v. Benson

Our democracy demands that polling places be peaceful and secure for both workers and voters. Although poll challengers — people typically appointed by a candidate or political party to observe elections — have the right to watch and raise legitimate concerns, they’re not allowed to get in the way of election officials doing their jobs. Yet, less than four months before the November general election, the Michigan Republican Party is asking a court to overturn existing regulations that protect that balance.
Public Rights Project, alongside five Michigan election officials, filed an amicus brief to defend the state’s regulations for poll challengers. The brief explains why local election officials need clear rules, flexibility to run safe elections, and enough time to train poll workers before Election Day. Specifically, the guidance:

• Keeps polling locations orderly: The rules make sure both challengers and election officials know their roles and responsibilities.
• Protects election officials from unfounded accusations: Without clear guidance, officials are more exposed to claims of bias or misconduct.
• Prevents last-minute changes: Michigan courts have consistently held that election officials need a reasonable amount of time to implement new rules and shouldn’t face major new administrative burdens this close to an election.

In recent elections Michigan has seen record turnout, which means officials are processing more registrations and ballots than ever. Higher turnout also means more challenges, whether legitimate or without merit. The state’s rules give local officials the tools to keep polling places safe and orderly: challengers must work through an appointed liaison, and the rules spell out what counts as an improper challenge. It also sets limits, like capping the number of challengers at locations that can’t safely accommodate more, so legitimate challenges can be raised without disrupting voting.

We urge the court to uphold the 2026 poll challenger rules to ensure safe and orderly elections in Michigan.

Read the amicus brief.

Update:
On July 29, 2026, the court issued an order to dismiss the plaintiffs’ lawsuit, ruling that they brought the case too close to the election. This means the 2026 updated rules on poll challengers will remain in effect for the primary and general elections. 

Read the decision.