Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced on Apr. 3 that she has joined a coalition of 24 attorneys general and governors in filing a lawsuit against President Trump’s recent Executive Order regarding federal elections. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts, challenges the order’s attempt to restrict voter eligibility and create federally authorized lists of absentee voters.
The issue is significant because it addresses states’ constitutional authority to administer elections and concerns about access to mail-in voting. According to Nessel, “Mail-in ballots are a safe and secure voting option that over 2.2 million Michiganders availed themselves to in the 2024 election, many who presumably used that choice to vote for this very President.” She said the executive order would make it harder for certain groups, including single parents, seniors, and military personnel overseas, to vote from home.
President Trump signed the Executive Order on March 31. It directs the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) only to transmit mail-in ballots to those listed as eligible by federal authorities and threatens states with loss of federal funding or criminal prosecution if they do not comply. The coalition argues that neither the Constitution nor any act of Congress gives the president authority over state election procedures or voter rolls.
Governor Whitmer said, “Let me be clear: our elections are safe and secure… Any attempt to federalize our elections or make it harder for Americans to cast their ballots is an attempt to take away Michiganders’ constitutional right to vote.” Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson added, “This Executive Order is illegal – it was designed to create confusion and chaos… If left unchecked, it will block millions of eligible American citizens from exercising their fundamental right to vote.” Both officials emphasized their commitment alongside Nessel in opposing what they called federal overreach.
In Michigan’s recent history, voters approved Proposal 3 in 2018 allowing all registered citizens access to mail-in ballots or ballot drop boxes for every election. Over one quarter of active registered Michigan voters have signed up for permanent mail ballot delivery.
Voting by mail in Michigan includes safeguards such as signature verification by local clerks and bipartisan oversight during ballot processing. These standards align with national best practices for election security.
Nessel’s participation aligns with her office’s broader mission; according to the official website, the Michigan Department of Attorney General advances social efforts through actions against human trafficking as well as supporting vulnerable populations statewide.The department also focuses on public service initiatives, policy influence such as drafting expungement laws,and exercises statewide authority across Michigan.Nessel serves as Michigan’s 54th attorney general according to official records.
The coalition asks the court not only for relief from each provision but also seeks an injunction preventing enforcement before upcoming primaries and general elections later this year.
