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Justice Department Demands Wayne County’s 2024 Ballots With 14-Day Deadline

The request sets up a likely court fight over who controls access to state-run election records.

Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon arrives for a news conference at the Justice Department on Sept. 29, 2025.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel addresses the Michigan Democratic Party People's Town Hall in Warren, Michigan, U.S., March 29, 2025. REUTERS /Rebecca Cook
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel on November 21, 2024, in Philadelphia.
Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon speaks during a news conference at the Justice Department on September 29, 2025 in Washington, DC.

Overview

  • The Justice Department letter, dated April 14, demands Wayne County turn over all 2024 ballots, envelopes, and ballot receipts within 14 days.
  • Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon cited three fraud convictions and five lawsuits, while Attorney General Dana Nessel said those rare cases show safeguards worked.
  • The department said it will seek a court order if the records are not produced, and county officials have not yet announced a response.
  • Michigan leaders, including Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, denounced the request as political interference and pledged to protect voter privacy.
  • The demand fits a wider federal push on elections under President Trump, including FBI actions in Georgia and Arizona and a new order to build federal voter lists.