Judges reject GOP overseas ballot challenges in Michigan, North Carolina

SUMMARY

State judges in Michigan and North Carolina have dismissed challenges from the Republican National Committee (RNC) regarding the acceptance of overseas ballots in these crucial swing states. The RNC alleged that these states improperly allowed ballots from U.S. citizens who had never lived in their jurisdictions. In Michigan, Judge Sima Patel ruled the RNC's case was filed too late, noting it would be “extremely difficult or impossible” to set aside the ballots close to Election Day and affirming the legality of the state's ballot guidelines. In North Carolina, Judge John Smith denied the RNC's request for an injunction, finding no evidence of fraud and stating the court would not treat citizens differently based on unsupported allegations. These rulings come as overseas voting becomes increasingly Democratic, with more U.S. citizens living abroad. A related lawsuit in Pennsylvania regarding ballot verification requirements is still pending.