News Summary

A ruling on the trial of fifteen Michigan Republicans accused of election-related charges linked to their attempt to overturn the 2020 presidential election is scheduled for September 2024. This group, including notable figures such as former state party co-chair, faces allegations of forgery and violating election laws by submitting fake electoral votes for Trump. The defense argues they acted under the belief they were preserving what they thought were rightful electoral claims. The case raises significant concerns about electoral integrity and public trust in the democratic process.

Lansing, Michigan — A ruling on whether a group of Michigan Republicans will face trial for election-related charges linked to their attempt to overturn the 2020 presidential election is set for September 2024. The case arises from actions following Joe Biden’s victory over Donald Trump in Michigan by a margin of approximately 154,000 votes.

A hearing is scheduled for September 9 before Ingham County 54A District Judge Kristen Simmons, where the court will deliberate on the charges against fifteen individuals, including prominent figures such as former Michigan Republican Party Co-Chair Meshawn Maddock and Republican National Committee member Kathy Berden. All defendants have pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The group is accused of forgery and violating election laws, specifically regarding their attempt to transmit fake electoral votes for Trump. According to Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, these individuals knowingly signed documents claiming to be Trump’s electors, even after Biden had officially won the state. The severity of the allegations means that the potential maximum sentences for the charges range from five to fourteen years in prison.

The prosecution asserts that the actions of the accused undermined voter trust and violated laws intended to maintain election integrity. Meanwhile, defense attorneys argue that their clients acted under the belief that they were protected by guidance from Trump campaign lawyers, contending that there was no intention to commit a crime. They claim the defendants genuinely believed they were preparing for a scenario where the electoral results could change.

Initial charges against sixteen individuals were filed in July 2023, but the case against James Renner was dropped in return for his cooperation as a government witness. As the proceedings unfolded, the preliminary examinations of the remaining fifteen defendants are slated to continue until October 2024. Alongside Maddock and Berden, other defendants include William “Hank” Choate, Clifford Frost, Mayra Rodriguez, Marian Sheridan, Ken Thompson, Amy Facchinello, John Haggard, Mari-Ann Henry, Michele Lundgren, Stanley Grot, Timothy King, and Kent Vanderwood.

On December 14, 2020, as electors were casting their votes for Biden in the Michigan Capitol, the group of Republicans attempted to enter the building to cast their votes for Trump but were turned away. Their signed documents, which falsely indicated Trump had won Michigan, were subsequently sent to Congress and the National Archives. During preliminary hearings, Renner asserted that there was no explicit dialogue regarding the legality of the documents, underlining a belief among the group that they were acting to protect what they thought were the rightful electors for Trump.

The Michigan Attorney General’s office maintained that such actions erode public confidence in the electoral process and violate state election laws. As the legal proceedings move forward, they are gaining increased attention amidst national discussions surrounding the integrity of elections and allegations of voter fraud stemming from the 2020 election.

As of now, no legal actions have been taken against Trump campaign attorneys in Michigan in association with the fake elector scheme, raising questions about the broader context of responsibility within the campaign structure. The outcome of the September ruling will establish the next steps for the defendants and may have significant implications on perceptions of electoral integrity across the state and beyond.