Republicans in key battleground states faced legal setbacks on Monday as judges in Michigan and North Carolina rejected their attempts to limit overseas voting by U.S. residents living abroad. The judges criticized the short timeline and proposed remedies put forth by the plaintiffs, describing the efforts as attempts to disenfranchise voters and lacking substantial evidence of election fraud prevention.
These rulings followed similar lawsuits in Pennsylvania, Michigan, and North Carolina aimed at tightening regulations for overseas voters. The GOP argued that current laws allow residents to vote without proper identification, a claim disputed by Democrats who fear disenfranchisement of voters abroad, including military personnel and their families.
Former President Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris are in a dead heat two weeks before the election.
Judges in Michigan and North Carolina dismissed these lawsuits, citing the lack of evidence and potential harm to voters. The rulings underscore the importance of overseas ballots, with over 1.2 million cast in the 2020 election and potential influence in the upcoming election. These states play a crucial role in deciding the next president.
Democrats view these lawsuits as a strategy to hinder voter turnout from a historically GOP-supportive demographic. The legal battles highlight the contentious issue of overseas voting regulations and their impact on election outcomes.