DETROIT—Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said there’s “clear evidence” to pursue charges against pro-Donald Trump Republicans who claimed they were the state’s presidential electors in 2020, despite Democrat Joe Biden’s 154,000-vote victory.
Nessel referred the matter to federal prosecutors last year, but no public action has been taken. A year later, she said it’s time for state authorities to step in.
“Let’s be fair about what this was: It was an effort to overturn a lawful election,” Nessel, a Democrat, said. “That type of activity can’t go without any consequences. … There are laws that specifically speak to their actions. I plan to reopen the investigation.”
In December 2020, Michigan’s electors cast 16 votes for Biden,following his 2.8 percentage point win in the state over Trump. But a separate group tried to enter the state Capitol with Trump’s Electoral College candidates.
The federal government notified the state that it had received unofficial signed certificates from GOP electors. The group included Meshawn Maddock, co-chair of the Michigan Republican Party.
Invalid certificates also were mailed to the U.S. Senate, the Michigan secretary of state and a federal court in western Michigan.
“There is clear evidence to support charges against those 16 false electors,” Nessel told reporters, noting the work of the House committee investigating the 2021 post-election riot at the U.S. Capitol.
In response, the state Republican Party accused the attorney general of “engaging in political theater” and using tax dollars to “perpetually persecute her political enemies.”
Nessel in the past has said forgery could be a possible charge.
“I don’t know what the federal government plans to do,” she said Friday. “Perhaps they are going to move forward, and I hope that they do, but I think it’s important that a couple years later that there be some accountability.”
Politics
Why you should care about this year’s Michigan Supreme Court election
Michiganders will soon decide who serves on the highest court in the state—and those two justices will have a hand in making some important...
Dozens march to Flint city hall as the water crisis turns 10 years old
BY KEN COLEMAN, MICHIGAN ADVANCE MICHIGAN—Chanting “Clean water is what we demand,” “Water is a right” and “No justice, no peace,” dozens of people...
Slotkin urges Michiganders to compare prices before buying prescription drugs
A law sponsored by Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin is helping patients compare prices for different prescription drugs at different pharmacies—saving...
Local News
Who makes the best cannabis concentrates in Michigan?
Over the last year, we've asked for reader recommendations for the best dispensaries in Michigan and the best weed, best edibles and best vapes you...
7 quick hits of cannabis news from across Michigan
MICHIGAN—Cannabis is a big deal in Michigan—and there’s never a shortage of newsworthy headlines from the industry as the state inches closer to...