Michigan Judge Dismisses Charges Against Fake Electors

News Summary

A Michigan judge has dismissed criminal charges against 15 individuals accused of falsely acting as electors for Donald Trump during the 2020 election. The ruling by District Court Judge Kristen D. Simmons identified insufficient evidence of fraudulent intent. The defendants, including members of the Michigan Republican Party, faced several charges including forgery, but their belief in election irregularities played a crucial role in the dismissal. The Michigan Attorney General expressed disappointment and is considering an appeal, highlighting concerns over potential implications for election integrity.

Lansing, Michigan — A Michigan judge has dismissed criminal charges against 15 individuals accused of falsely acting as electors for Donald Trump during the 2020 election. The ruling was made by District Court Judge Kristen D. Simmons on September 9, 2025, providing a significant outcome in a high-profile case that has drawn considerable attention.

The defendants, which include notable members of the Michigan Republican Party, were facing eight charges, including forgery and conspiracy to commit election forgery. However, Judge Simmons determined there was insufficient evidence to demonstrate that these individuals intended to commit fraud. She noted that the alleged electors genuinely believed there were irregularities in the election process and were exercising their constitutional rights.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel expressed her disappointment with the ruling, stressing that the defendants knowingly misrepresented themselves and should face accountability for their actions. Nessel’s office is currently contemplating an appeal against the ruling, although it may present significant challenges under Michigan law.

Judge Simmons made it clear that the case was not focused on the actual winner of the 2020 election but rather on the intent of the accused parties. She pointed out that the group did not engage in attempts to forge official state documents or use fake seals, which further underscored the absence of fraudulent intent.

The individuals involved organized a meeting at the Michigan GOP headquarters in December 2020, where they signed a document asserting themselves as the state’s electors. The criminal charges had been pending for more than two years, following an announcement from the Michigan Attorney General’s office in 2021. The group believed they were fulfilling a civic duty to support Donald Trump during a contentious election period.

Supporters gathered outside the courtroom to celebrate the decision, with many defendants expressing a sense of relief and joy when hearing of the dismissal. Conversely, Nessel cautioned that this ruling could set a concerning precedent that may undermine American democracy.

Additionally, other states, including Nevada, Georgia, Wisconsin, and Arizona, have also initiated charges related to similar fake electors schemes, but these cases have experienced delays. The ongoing situation reflects the notable challenges facing prosecutors in cases tied to the actions of political figures following the contentious 2020 election results.

The dismissal of these charges may influence future legal efforts against individuals engaged in actions seen as undermining democratic processes. As political tensions continue, the case serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding electoral integrity, constitutional rights, and the legal ramifications of actions taken in the wake of the election.

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