A movement by Michigan Democratic legislators, led by Governor Gretchen Whitmer, has left conservative voters in the Great Lakes State without representation in the National Convention that will choose the conservative candidate for the 2024 presidential election. In order to be the fifth state to hold a primary, Blue Party members voted to move forward the state's primary day from the second Tuesday in March to February 27. According to Republican National Commission (RNC) rules, only South Carolina, Iowa, Nevada and New Hampshire can vote before March 1.
In accordance with conservative party regulations, the RNC may deny accreditation to delegates elected by party voters in states that violate this rule. In statements reported by Just The News, State Senator, Kevin Daley, staunchly criticized the governor: "The goal of Democrats is to disenfranchise Republicans from voting in the primary. This was a huge priority for Governor Whitmer in her quest for national attention... for a run for vice president or president.”
Primaries "will be nothing more than a beauty contest"
More cautious, but equally critical, was Lapeer County Commissioner, Gary Howell, who noted that "The primary this year will be nothing more than a beauty contest. Our vote will not be counted by the RNC. It will be of no legal consequence whatsoever."
From the Democratic side, however, they point out that making the Great Lakes State the fifth to go to the polls, "ensures the voices of Michiganders are heard loud and clear and the primary process is truly representative of what America looks like". This was indicated in statements to the Associated Press by the state president of the blue party, Lavora Barnes.
