LANSING, Mich. — A Court of Claims judge in Lansing could decide whether Michigan’s ban on fusion voting stays, as minor parties and the League of Women Voters of Michigan press the case in the capital.
Fusion voting — barred here since 1895 — would let more than one party nominate the same candidate and count all those votes toward that candidate’s total. Only a few states still use it actively, including New York and Connecticut.
Libertarians in Michigan and the Common Sense Party, which Jeff Timmer helped found, sued to strike the ban and stop the secretary of state and Bureau of Elections director from enforcing it. Separate Court of Claims and Ingham County Circuit filings were consolidated in the Court of Claims.
The League of Women Voters of Michigan filed a brief backing the challenge, arguing the ban burdens the right to vote and freedom of association while favoring major parties. The League also publishes Vote411 guides and a statewide election calendar.
Defendants Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Elections Director Jonathan Brater have sought summary disposition. Judge Michael Gadola has not yet ruled.
