The Republican National Committee (RNC) has filed a lawsuit against Detroit’s Election Commission, accusing the city of hiring a disproportionately higher number of Democratic poll workers compared to Republicans for the 2024 primary election. According to the lawsuit, Detroit employed approximately 2,300 Democratic poll workers while only hiring 300 Republicans. This imbalance, the RNC argues, violates Michigan’s election law, which mandates that election inspectors from each major political party be appointed in roughly equal numbers across all precincts.

Michigan’s state election law, specifically Section 168.74, is designed to ensure that no single party dominates the polling stations. The law states that election commissioners “shall appoint an equal number, as nearly as possible, of election inspectors in each election precinct from each major political party.” The RNC lawsuit contends that Detroit’s hiring practices blatantly disregarded this requirement, citing that in 200 of the city’s 335 precincts, there were no Republican election inspectors at all.

RNC Chairman Michael Whatley and Co-Chair Lara Trump have voiced strong opposition to what they describe as Detroit’s “bad-faith Democrat interference.” In a statement, they expressed concern that the city’s actions could undermine public confidence in the electoral process, particularly in a battleground state like Michigan. They argue that ensuring an equal representation of both parties at polling stations is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the elections.

The lawsuit seeks to compel Detroit’s Election Commission to rectify the imbalance and comply with state law. The RNC’s legal action is part of a broader effort by the party to ensure election integrity, especially in key states where the outcome could be pivotal in the 2024 elections. The party’s leaders assert that without equal representation of poll workers from both parties, the fairness and transparency of the election could be compromised.

This case highlights ongoing concerns about election management in Detroit, a city that has faced previous scrutiny over its handling of elections. The RNC’s lawsuit emphasizes the importance of adhering to legal requirements in the appointment of poll workers to prevent any perception of bias or unfairness in the voting process. As the lawsuit progresses, it could have significant implications not only for Detroit but also for how elections are conducted in other major cities across the country.

In summary, the RNC’s lawsuit against Detroit underscores the party’s commitment to election integrity. By challenging what they view as an illegal disparity in poll worker appointments, the RNC aims to restore balance and fairness to the electoral process in one of the nation’s most crucial swing states.