[Cinnaminson, New Jersey] – A coalition of over 170 concerned Michigan voters, including election officials, has filed an Emergency Petition for Reconsideration and Writ of Mandamus with the Michigan Supreme Court, challenging the unlawful dismissal of their civil petition by the Court’s Clerk. The petition, filed by attorneys Louise E. Johnson and Bradford L. Geyer, asserts that Michigan’s highest court must address unconstitutional changes made to state election laws following the passage of Proposal 22-2 in 2022, which fundamentally altered Michigan’s electoral system without providing voters with fully informed consent.
The coalition’s filing calls on the Michigan Supreme Court to take immediate action, as their petition—originally seeking declaratory judgment and a preliminary injunction against these election law changes—was dismissed by the Court’s Clerk without review by the Justices. The dismissal was based on alleged lack of jurisdiction, a decision that the petitioners argue is an unlawful act under color of law, obstructing the coalition’s constitutional right to due process.
Key Points from the Petition:
- Clerk’s Dismissal Without Judicial Review: The coalition’s petition highlights that the Clerk of the Michigan Supreme Court made a substantive legal decision to dismiss their original filing without presenting it to the Justices. The petitioners argue that the Clerk overstepped his administrative role, obstructing their access to justice by denying the Court’s jurisdiction over their case, which involves critical constitutional issues of public concern.
- Unconstitutional Election Law Changes: The emergency petition challenges the legality of amendments made to Michigan’s Constitution through Proposal 22-2, arguing that the proposal combined nine different amendments into one 100-word ballot initiative, failing to adequately inform voters of the gravity and impact of these changes. The petitioners claim that this lack of clarity and transparency invalidates the 2022 vote, as the amendments did not receive fully informed consent from Michigan’s electorate.
- Operational and Constitutional Inconsistencies: Among the numerous flaws outlined in the petition are vague and incomplete provisions regarding absentee ballot drop boxes and private donations for election funding. The coalition contends that these amendments, as passed, are unconstitutional, unworkable, and create an open door for corruption and manipulation in Michigan’s election processes.
- Mandamus Request to Compel Action: The coalition has requested that the Court issue a writ of mandamus to compel the Clerk to properly process their original filing and distribute it to the Justices for consideration. Additionally, they seek the Court’s reconsideration of its jurisdiction, arguing that Michigan law explicitly grants the Court authority to hear cases of this magnitude and public importance, particularly where voter rights and constitutional principles are at stake.
“The Michigan Supreme Court is the court of last resort in Michigan,” said attorney Louise E. Johnson. “Its responsibility to hear cases that impact the fundamental rights of Michigan’s voters cannot be dismissed by an administrative clerk. This is a matter of significant public concern, and the Court’s refusal to hear our case denies the people of Michigan their right to challenge unconstitutional amendments to their election laws.”
A Matter of Public Concern
The petition asserts that the issues raised are of immense public importance, as they affect the constitutional rights of all Michigan voters. The changes brought about by Proposal 22-2 have led to the rapid implementation of new election codes by the Michigan legislature—many of which, the coalition argues, disenfranchise voters and undermine the state’s election integrity. Among the most concerning provisions is the introduction of private donations to fund elections, which, according to the petition, lacks any meaningful regulation and invites corruption.
“This is about safeguarding Michigan’s election integrity,” said attorney Bradford L. Geyer. “The 2022 amendments were rushed through without providing voters with adequate information about their consequences. These changes have created operational chaos, and Michigan voters deserve clarity, fairness, and protection from unconstitutional election laws that violate their rights.”
The petition further calls attention to the failure of the Michigan Supreme Court to fulfill its role as the “court of last resort in Michigan” in protecting voter rights. The coalition notes that, as the highest court in the state, the Michigan Supreme Court has discretionary authority to hear cases of significant complexity and public import. The Court’s own rules indicate that it can and should review cases with constitutional implications, making the Clerk’s decision to dismiss the original petition all the more problematic.
Next Steps: Emergency Review Sought
The coalition has requested emergency treatment and scheduling for their petition, urging the Michigan Supreme Court to act swiftly in order to prevent further harm to Michigan voters. The petitioners argue that the Court has original jurisdiction over this case, citing its previous involvement in election-related matters such as Promote the Vote v. Board of State Canvassers (No. 164755).
“The Court cannot turn a blind eye to the disenfranchisement of Michigan voters,” Geyer continued. “This is not just a procedural issue—it is a fundamental question about the integrity of our democracy and the preservation of constitutional rights.”
If granted, the writ of mandamus would require the Clerk to process the coalition’s petition and present it to the Justices for full review. Additionally, the coalition seeks a formal reconsideration of the Court’s jurisdiction over cases that impact the constitutional rights of Michigan’s electorate.
Contact Information:
Louise E. Johnson
The Law Office of Louise E. Johnson
Phone: (616) 458-8038
Email: johnsonle2010@aol.com
Bradford L. Geyer
FormerFedsGroup Freedom Foundation
Phone: (856) 607-5708
Email: Brad@FormerFedsGroup.com