Earlier this year the Michigan Secretary of State restricted poll watchers’ credentialing, their communication, and their use of electronic devices in absentee ballot counting facilities.
Republican Party representatives challenged that guidance, and a state court invalidated some of its provisions.
The court reasoned the changes to the manual didn't go through the right rulemaking process.
The state appealed, and now, the Michigan Supreme Court is pausing that ruling from taking effect until after the general election.
In a statement, the state Republican Party says the court order makes vote-counting less transparent. The Attorney General's office says it protects poll workers and keeps voting confidential.
