Democrats are taking a challenge to how state House Republicans rule the chamber to the Michigan Supreme Court.
The state House Democrats’ lawsuit says the Republican majority violates the Michigan Constitution by refusing – when asked -- to count the votes on a procedural motion that determines when laws take effect. The motion requires two-thirds super-majorities. But Republicans have allowed many laws to become effective right away on voice votes that are not counted or recorded.
Democratic state Representative Mark Meadows says that means he and other lawmakers are not allowed to do their job.
“We are citizens, and we are the people who on a day-to-day basis try to promote the interests of the people that we represent,” Meadows says.
This is the Democrats’ last-ditch effort after lower courts have dismissed the legal action. Republicans say the lawsuit is just pre-election politics.