Michigan judge dismisses charges against 'fake' 2020 electors

September 9, 2025

A Michigan judge has dismissed criminal charges against 15 Republicans who attempted to pose as electoral college members to overturn Joe Biden's 2020 presidential election victory in favor of Donald Trump. Judge Kristen D Simmons ruled that the group, which included prominent state Republican Party officials, was legally exercising constitutional rights when they secretly met and signed documents claiming to represent Michigan. The judge determined they sincerely believed election irregularities existed and weren't sophisticated enough to understand the electoral process fully.

Who is affected

The 15 Michigan Republicans who had their criminal charges dismissed
Michigan voters whose electoral choices were subject to this contested action
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and her office
The Michigan judicial system
Residents of other states (Arizona, Georgia, Nevada, and Wisconsin) where similar cases are pending

What action is being taken

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is considering filing an appeal against the judge's decision
Similar criminal cases involving people who posed as electoral college voters are proceeding in other states (Arizona, Georgia, Nevada, and Wisconsin)

Why it matters

The case represents a significant legal precedent regarding attempts to contest or overturn presidential election results
It addresses the boundaries between constitutional rights and potentially illegal attempts to interfere with the electoral process
The ruling suggests that sincere belief in election irregularities may provide some legal protection for actions taken in response
The decision impacts how similar cases might be handled in other states where comparable actions occurred
It relates to the broader context of challenges to the 2020 presidential election results

What's next

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel's office will consider filing an appeal of the judge's decision

Read full article from source: BBC