2006-08-30

Judge Tarnow finds: "the MCRI engaged in systematic voter fraud" – refuses injunction

For immediate release:

(Detroit, MI – August 30, 2006) Federal Court Judge Arthur Tarnow issued a scathing denunciation of both the so-called "Michigan Civil Rights Initiative" and of the state authorities responsible for protecting the integrity of Michigan elections. He also refused to issue an injunction stopping MCRI from proceeding to the ballot despite finding that: "The evidence overwhelmingly favors a finding that the MCRI defendants engaged in voter fraud."

"You can't amend the Constitution by defrauding the people," said George Washington, attorney for Operation King's Dream. "Judge Tarnow agreed with us on every point of law and every point of fact – except on the plainest and most intuitively obvious point – that the voter fraud perpetrated by MCRI was targeted at black voters. The political leaders of the state – someone – must take responsibility for this. Now the Federal Court and the Michigan Civil Rights Commission – the only two organizations to investigate – have found the same pattern of overwhelming voter fraud. This clearly cannot go to the ballot on this basis."

"Judge Tarnow found that because – in addition to black voters – many white people were victims of MCRI's voter fraud as well, the Voting Rights Act does not apply. By that logic, all of the discriminatory schemes targeted at black voters in our nation's history would still stand – the grand father clauses, poll taxes, and literacy tests which targeted black voters throughout the American South also deprived millions of white people of their right to vote. Judge Tarnow's logic is that because white people were victims as well, there is no protection for anyone. This is absurd, it runs counter to the entire logic and tradition of civil rights protections in American history. Obviously we will be appealing this decision." said Shanta Driver, attorney for Operation King's Dream and National Spokesperson for BAMN.

Operation King's Dream,
an affiliate of BAMN (By Any Means Necessary)

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