Michigan Judge Dismisses Charges in Fake Electors Case

No Trial for 15 Republicans

Fifteen Republicans accused of falsely certifying Donald Trump as the winner of Michigan’s 2020 election will not face trial. On Tuesday, District Court Judge Kristen D. Simmons dismissed the charges, according to the Associated Press.

Judge Explains Her Decision

Judge Simmons said she found no intent to commit fraud. She noted the defendants believed there were irregularities in the 2020 election, which declared Joe Biden the winner.
“I believe they were exercising their constitutional right to seek redress,” Simmons stated.

Attorney General Responds

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, who filed the charges more than two years ago, called the ruling “disappointing.” She said her office will decide whether to appeal. Nessel argued the defendants lied and attempted to steal millions of votes from Michigan residents.
“If they can get away with this, what can they get away with next?” she added.

Background on the Case

In July 2023, Nessel charged 16 Republicans with forgery and conspiracy. The case became the first of its kind. One defendant later cooperated with investigators, leaving 15 facing charges.
Prominent activist and former Michigan GOP co-chair Meshawn Maddock was among the accused. Her lawyer, Nicholas Somberg, called the prosecution a waste of taxpayer money and a “malicious” effort.

Broader Debate Over Alternate Electors

The Trump campaign organized alternate electors in several states as a backup plan if courts overturned election results. Supporters argued it was a legal safeguard, not an attempt to defraud.
Breitbart’s Joel Pollak compared the move to a 1960 precedent, when Democrats used alternate electors in a close race between Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy. He argued the Michigan case was “bogus from the start.”