U.S. District Court Judge Gershwin A. Drain, though, issued injunctions against state election officials Thursday to prevent the law’s enforcement – saying it places a disproportionate burden on African Americans’ right to vote and limits their opportunities to cast ballots.
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The Michigan law is among a number of state voting rules that have been fought in the courts ahead of the November election, along with stricter voter identification laws in some states and laws on the voting rights of felons in others.
Johnson and Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette will appeal the order on Monday or Tuesday next week, Schuette spokesman John Sellek said in an email.
The law that was passed by Republicans-and criticized by Democrats as a way to discourage turnout among minorities.
The injunction doesnt apply to the upcoming August 2 primary elections, but it does apply to the general election in November. African American voters use straight party voting more than white voters.
“This is a great victory for the voters”, said Southfield attorney Mark Brewer, a former chairman of the Michigan Democratic Party, who represents the Michigan State A. Philip Randolph Institute and several individual plaintiffs in the case. MI was one of only ten states that had straight ticket voting.
In his 37-page opinion, Drain said it’s “irrelevant” what other states have done. The law included $5 million for additional voting booths and other polling place improvements, although Drain said the amount was “woefully insufficient”.
Rep. Brian Banks, D-Detroit, head of the House Detroit caucus, said “the judge’s ruling today sends the clear signal that playing games with the electoral process and trying to keep African-American citizens from exercising their right to vote will not be tolerated”. Gurewitz says straight ticket voting means it will take less time to vote and shorten lines on Election Day.
Opponents say banning straight tickets encourages the electorate to look at each candidate’s stand on the issues.
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The Michigan Association of Municipal Clerks was quick to urge the state to accept the ruling. That said, Republicans are sure to fight this with everything they have.
