Michigan straight-party voting ban won't take effect
(AP) — The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday declined to let Michigan's new ban on straight-party voting take effect for the November election, rejecting state officials' request to halt lower court rulings that blocked the Republican-sponsored law.
In issuing a preliminary injunction in July, a federal district judge ruled the law signed by Gov. Rick Snyder would create longer lines and disproportionately burden black voters who are more likely to use the straight-ticket option.
Democrats accused the GOP of seeking partisan gain, particularly in down-ballot races for the state Board of Education and university boards.
Michigan Democratic Party Chairman Brandon Dillon, who accused Schuette of wasting state money on the "Hail Mary" appeal, said while the straight-ticket option is intact for November, "there's no doubt in my mind that this fight is not over."