Michigan's top Democratic officials pushed back hard against a Department of Justice letter demanding the county turn over all 2024 election ballots and materials.
Attorney General Dana Nessel, Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson jointly condemned the DOJ letter sent to Wayne County Clerk Cathy M. Garrett. The letter threatens a court order if the county does not comply.
The demand is part of a pattern of similar requests in Arizona, Georgia and Missouri.
The DOJ cited three state-prosecuted voter fraud cases from the 2020 election and a dismissed civil case to justify its request for ballots, ballot receipts and ballot envelopes.
Local clerks identified each of the criminal cases as suspicious. They referred them to Michigan's Bureau of Elections for investigation. The Attorney General's office successfully prosecuted them.
The civil case, Costantino v. Detroit, was dismissed by now-retired Wayne County Circuit Chief Judge Timothy Kenny. He found the allegations incorrect and not credible.
None of the cases cited by the DOJ involved the 2024 election cycle.
Once again, President Trump is weaponizing the Justice Department in an attempt to sabotage the democratic process. This request is as absurd as it is baseless. Nessel said the successful convictions underline that Michigan's safeguards work and that instances of voter fraud are rare and addressed.
The demand represents direct federal interference disguised as election oversight. Whitmer said more than 1,600 locally elected clerks across Michigan ensure that every citizen can vote and have their vote counted. She called this a poorly disguised attempt to justify more doubt and misinformation about elections as well as direct federal interference.
Their goal is to sow seeds of doubt about the legitimacy of the results this November and in 2028. Benson said the administration stands with Wayne County to ensure they protect the integrity of elections and the privacy of Michigan voters.
The DOJ Case File
The DOJ letter points to specific cases from the 2020 election as justification for requesting all 2024 ballots.
Three criminal cases were state-prosecuted voter fraud cases from 2020. Michigan clerks identified these cases as suspicious. They referred them to the Bureau of Elections for investigation. The Attorney General's office successfully prosecuted them all.
A civil case called Costantino v. Detroit was also cited. Now-retired Wayne County Circuit Chief Judge Timothy Kenny dismissed it. He found the allegations incorrect and not credible.
The DOJ never explained how these 2020 cases relate to the 2024 election. The administration has not provided evidence connecting the two election cycles.
Federal Interference Pattern
Michigan officials noted this demand fits a pattern of federal election interference requests.
Similar DOJ demands have come to election officials in Arizona, Georgia and Missouri. The requests all ask for election materials from the most recent election.
The pattern suggests coordinated federal pressure across multiple states. The DOJ appears to be using the same justification in each state.
Michigan's Election Record
Michigan officials pointed to their state's election record as evidence against the DOJ's claims.
More than 1,600 locally elected clerks across Michigan administer elections. They ensure every citizen can vote and have their vote counted.
Successful convictions in prosecuted fraud cases show the system works. Instances of voter fraud are rare and addressed through proper legal channels.
Michigan election officials maintain that their safeguards are working. They argue the DOJ request undermines public confidence in the system.
What Comes Next
The DOJ letter threatens a court order if Wayne County does not comply with the demand for election materials.
Wayne County officials have not yet responded to the threat. They have received the DOJ letter and are evaluating the request.
Michigan officials say they will continue to support Wayne County. They plan to monitor the situation closely.
The administration maintains state elections are a state matter. They argue federal involvement in election administration sets a dangerous precedent.
Michigan officials say they will not allow federal interference in state-run elections. They will defend the integrity of the system and the privacy of voters.