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Michigan Supreme Court doesn't respond to Benson, Nessel's firearm appeal ahead of Election Day

Posted at 7:02 PM, Nov 02, 2020
and last updated 2020-11-02 19:11:45-05

(WXYZ) — The Michigan Supreme Court would not respond to Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and AG Dana Nessel's request to review challenges made against an open carry ban at polling locations on Election Day.

The ban was shot down by the Supreme Court and an appeal was denied last Thursday.

Writing in response to a motion in two cases arguing against the ban, the Court of Appeals ruled that there are existing laws on the books making voter intimidation a crime.

In response, Nessel said an appeal would be immediately made, to which the Michigan Supreme Court has refused to respond to as of Monday.

“Though I am disappointed that the Supreme Court hasn’t provided guidance in advance of Election Day, it does not change the fact that voter intimidation is still illegal in Michigan,” Nessel said. “Those who attempt to deter or interfere with someone trying to exercise the fundamental right to vote will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”

Secretary Benson adding, "Voters can go to the polls tomorrow confident that safety is our top priority. The bottom line is that voter intimidation is illegal under state and federal law. As the Court of Appeals confirmed, anyone who intimidates a voter in Michigan by brandishing a firearm is committing a felony. The Attorney General and I are working with law enforcement to ensure the law is followed statewide.”