Lawsuit wants to 're-run' 2020 election, voting experts say claims don't add up

Arpan Lobo
Detroit Free Press

A federal lawsuit filed Friday against Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson calls for Michigan to “re-run” the 2020 presidential election over unproven and debunked claims of election fraud nearly two years after Michigan voters elected now-President Joe Biden by more than 150,000 votes.

In the complaint, lawyers allege the election should not have been certified by the Board of State Canvassers due to the voting software used in some counties.

snip

Specifically, the lawsuit states that since 24 counties use voting software not certified by the U.S. Election Assistance Commission, election results in all of Michigan’s 83 counties should not have been certified. The complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan, asks a judge to invalidate the Board of State Canvassers' certification of the 2020 election and have the election take place again. It's unclear how an election would be re-done in such a circumstance.

But Michigan law gives the responsibility to certify election software to the Board of State Canvassers, not the EAC. Election experts have said the suit's allegations don't add up, highlighting the various steps officials take ahead of elections to ensure they are accurate and secure, and noting that Michigan law does not require EAC certification.

snip