BREAKING NEWS: Charges Dismissed! Legal Cloud Hanging over 15 Alternate Electors Lifts
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
By Kristine Christlieb, MFEI News & Commentary Editor
September 9, 2025
A Michigan district court judge has dismissed felony charges against 15 alternate electors.
The two-year legal ordeal ended today for 15 Michigan Republicans charged with eight felony counts primarily centered on forgery.
District 54-A Judge Kristen D. Simmons dismissed the charges, halting Attorney General Dana Nessel's attempt to take the matter to trial and jail the Michiganders. In her statement, Simmons said the case hinged on the "element of intent of the people charged." In other words, did the 15 alternate electors intend to cheat or defraud anyone when they signed a document related to the 2020 election outcome.
The document the alternate electors signed was titled, "Certificate of the Votes of the 2020 Electors from Michigan." Evidence and testimony were presented showing the alternate electors signed the document believing it was necessary to have in place in case there was a recount with Donald Trump being declared the winner of the 2020 election.
Simmons who noted in her opening remarks that the proceeding was the "culmination of a lengthy investigation," concluded with her decision: "There is not sufficient evidence to prove intent" to cheat or defraud anyone. Simmons said the electors were doing what they believed was their civic duty.
An attorney representing one of the electors also labeled the process a "malicious prosecution" and "a giant waste of money."
Malicious Prosecution
Patrice Johnson, founder and chair of Michigan Fair Elections Institute, was outside the courtroom celebrating the decision. "What an amazing event to witness. After years of persecution and malicious prosecution, our system of justice prevailed for the alternate electors.
An attorney representing one of the electors also labeled the process a "malicious prosecution" and "a giant waste of money." Another attorney echoed the sentiment saying it was a "perfect case for malicious prosecution."
Marian Sheridan, one of the 15 charged, concurred, saying she was "overwhelmingly happy. However, I'm really kind of angry that we got to this point. This should have never happened. This was clearly malicious prosecution."
Her voice trembling with emotion, Sheridan went on to say, "Judge Simmons, who is a Governor Whitmer-appointed judge, got it right. And she saw through it, and she held to what is just."
Johnson also responded, "This Whitmer-appointed judge, Judge Simmons, listened to the arguments and followed the rule of law."
Whitmer is the worst governor in the nation, excepts for maybe, katie hobbs of AZ. They both have evil, partisan, hacks for attorney generals