A judge has dismissed criminal charges against 15 Republicans who attempted to pose as members of the electoral college in order to swing the 2020 presidential election to Donald Trump.
The group believed Trump's false assertions that there was widespread voter fraud and attempted to install themselves in place of their Democratic Party opponents.
According to prosecutors, they met in secret and signed their names to documents claiming that they were chosen to represent Michigan.
On Tuesday, District Court Judge Kristen D Simmons dismissed forgery, conspiracy and other charges against the group and ruled they had legally exercised their constitutional rights.
The judge said the group was not "savvy or sophisticated enough to understand fully the electoral process" and did not attempt to forge official seals or signatures.
