WYANDOTTE, Mich.–A Michigan credit union’s good intentions of offering local voters a free ride via Lyft to their polling place on election day has been put on hold by a federal appeals court.
As CUToday.info originally reported here, Michigan Legacy Credit Union announced a week ago its offer would be good for a round-trip ride to available to anyone who lives in one of five zip codes. Membership in the credit union is not required, a mask was to be required, and rides would only be available until a $2,500 limit is reached.
But a federal appeals court has issued a stay to allow the Republican-controlled legislature to appeal the ruling by a federal judge in Flint.
Since 1895, Michigan has banned paying someone to transport a voter unless the voter can’t walk. According to local media reports, it was aimed at preventing fraud or undue influence, but U.S. District Judge Stephanie Dawkins Davis said the state law conflicted with federal law.
Attorney General Dana Nessel, a Democrat, declined to appeal. So Republicans in the legislature sought to intervene. The appeals court agreed, 2-1.
“The legislature’s likelihood of success on appeal is high,” Judge Danny Boggs wrote.
In a dissent, Judge R. Guy Cole Jr. said the plaintiffs, which include the liberal group Priorities USA, simply “want to rent buses to help people get to the polls.”
He noted it’s already unlawful to bribe a voter.
It’s not clear if the appeal will be settled before the Nov. 3 election.