Judges in Michigan and North Carolina have recently dismissed lawsuits brought by the Republican National Committee and others challenging overseas ballots cast by voters who never resided in the states. These rulings mark a setback for Republican efforts to target overseas votes, which have traditionally been considered sacrosanct due to their connection to the military. However, the pool of civilian expats now exceeds military voters outside the country, making these votes potentially crucial for Democrats.
In Michigan, Judge Sima Patel of the Court of Claims deemed the Republican lawsuit as an '11th hour attempt to disenfranchise' spouses and children of former Michigan residents living abroad. The judge ruled that the Republicans had filed their lawsuit too late.
Similarly, in North Carolina, Wake County Superior Court Judge John W. Smith denied the RNC's request for an emergency court order to set aside ballots from overseas voters who had not lived in the state themselves. Judge Smith highlighted that the RNC failed to provide substantial evidence of any fraudulent instances that would warrant such action.
Both Michigan and North Carolina have had policies in place for several years accepting ballots from overseas voters. However, the shift in demographics, with civilian voters abroad now outnumbering military voters, has brought increased attention to these ballots. Democrats have recognized the importance of these voters and have invested significantly in mobilizing eligible Democrats abroad, especially those who can vote in battleground states.
Former President Donald Trump and his GOP allies had championed these cases as essential for safeguarding the integrity of the 2024 election. However, the judges' decisions reflect a rejection of these arguments in court.
