DETROIT — A state judge has blocked rules related to the management of election challengers by Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson's office, finding a May 2022 election manual from Benson's office contained rules that should have gone through the regular rulemaking process.
Court of Claims Judge Brock Swartzle ordered Benson's office either to rescind the May 2022 manual in its entirety, or amend specific sections he identified as out of step with Michigan election law and the Administrative Procedures Act.
Benson's office said the department will appeal the ruling from Swartzle. His order comes after several election challengers, two legislative candidates and the state and national Republican parties challenged the rules contained in the May 2022 manual as violating Michigan election law and sidestepping the proper rulemaking process.