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AG Dana Nessel Joins Coalition Against Federal Control Over Elections
Tate Survance
Sat, 04 Apr 2026 12:27:18 EDT
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Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has joined a coalition of more than 20 states in filing a federal lawsuit challenging a new executive order issued by Donald Trump that seeks to reshape how elections are conducted nationwide.
The legal action, filed in federal court in Massachusetts, argues the order oversteps presidential authority by attempting to impose federal control over voter eligibility and mail-in voting systems, areas traditionally managed by individual states. According to the lawsuit, the order proposes the creation of a national voter eligibility list and directs the U.S. Postal Service to deliver absentee ballots only to voters included on that list.
State officials claim the directive could conflict with existing election laws and procedures, particularly in states like Michigan, where no-excuse absentee voting is protected under the state constitution. More than two million Michigan residents voted by mail in the last presidential election, reflecting widespread use of the system.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer says the executive order undermines states' constitutional role in administering elections and could restrict access to the ballot. Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson also criticized the move, warning it could create confusion and potentially prevent eligible voters from casting ballots.
The coalition argues the order threatens states with funding cuts and legal consequences if they fail to comply, while also requiring rapid changes to election systems ahead of upcoming elections. They are asking the court to block enforcement of the order, saying it risks disrupting established voting processes and disenfranchising voters.
The case now moves forward in federal court as states seek to preserve their authority over election administration.
