(WXYZ) — The Trump campaign announced Wednesday it has filed a lawsuit to stop counting votes in Michigan, arguing they haven't been able to get access to numerous counting locations.
RELATED: FULL ELECTION RESULTS
Trump Campaign Manager Bill Stepien said in a statement that the campaign "has not been provided with meaningful access to numerous counting locations to observe the opening of ballots and the counting process."
The lawsuit alleges that Secretary of State Benson is not allowing election challengers to view the counting of absentee ballots or video of the collection of these ballots from drop boxes. It is asking for a speedy hearing, as well the court "mandate" Benson cease counting ballots until an election inspector from each part is present at each absentee voters counting board and until video is make available to the challengers of each ballot box.
The campaign added that they are hoping to stop the counting until they get access and want to review ballots they claim were opened and counted while they didn't have access.
A Michigan Court of Claims spokesperson has said no lawsuit has been filed yet.
As of 2:13 p.m., Trump is losing to Joe Biden by more than 40,000 votes with 95% of precincts reporting.
"Right now, we’re focused on counting every ballot in the state of Michigan, got secure protocols in place to tabulate those votes. That’s our focus. We stand by the process. As an election law attorney myself, we’re very familiar with the process and legality of our process. This story for us is about making sure at this point every valid ballot is counted," Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson said during a press conference earlier Wednesday morning when asked about potential lawsuits. "We’re confident to fight on behalf on every single voter who got their ballot in on time. We’re gonna make sure those votes count."
Shortly after the announcement, Ryan Jarvi, the press secretary for Michigan Attorney General, released this statement.
"Michigan's elections have been conducted transparently, with access provided for both political parties and the public, and using a robust system of checks and balances to ensure that all ballots are counted fairly and accurately. At this time our department has not been notified by the Court of Claims about this lawsuit and when we are served, we will review it and respond accordingly. Michigan will always continue to protect the rights of all voters to have their ballots counted."
View the full lawsuit below:
Trump campaign lawsuit against Michigan by WXYZ-TV Channel 7 Detroit on Scribd