Lose Your House, Lose Your Vote
The 2008 Michigan Foreclosure Voter Suppression Scandal
This article documents events from the 2008 presidential election. Originally reported by Michigan Messenger journalist Eartha Jane Melzer, this story exposed one of the most significant voter suppression attempts in modern Michigan history.
In September 2008, a bombshell report revealed that Michigan Republicans planned to use home foreclosure lists to challenge voters at the polls — a scheme that would have disproportionately affected African-American voters in a crucial swing state during the Obama-McCain presidential race.
The Story That Made National Headlines
On September 10, 2008, Michigan Messenger broke the story that would become one of the most talked-about voter suppression cases of the election cycle. Reporter Eartha Jane Melzer quoted James Carabelli, the Republican Party chairman of Macomb County, as saying:
The plan, if implemented, would have allowed Republican poll challengers to question the eligibility of any voter whose address appeared on foreclosure lists — effectively adding another barrier for families already struggling through the housing crisis.
Why This Mattered: The Racial Impact
The foreclosure crisis was not hitting all communities equally. According to data from Michigan’s Department of Labor and Economic Growth at the time:
This meant that using foreclosure lists to challenge voters would have disproportionately affected African-American communities — communities that overwhelmingly supported Democratic candidates. Critics called it a modern form of voter suppression targeting vulnerable populations.
Timeline of Events
The Republican Response
James Carabelli strongly denied the allegations, issuing a press release stating:
Michigan Messenger and reporter Eartha Jane Melzer stood by their reporting and did not issue a retraction.
The Lawsuit and Settlement
The Obama campaign’s lawsuit led to a historic settlement involving multiple parties:
Parties to the Settlement
- Obama for America
- Republican National Committee
- Democratic National Committee
- Michigan Republican Party
- Michigan Democratic Party
- Macomb County Republican Party
- Macomb County Democratic Party
The settlement had the force of law and established a crucial precedent:
Key Settlement Outcome
The two sides issued a joint statement affirming that an address appearing on foreclosure lists did not constitute a valid reason for removal of voters from that address or for challenging their right to vote.
Legacy and Impact
The “Lose Your House, Lose Your Vote” story became a landmark case in voter protection efforts:
- Legal Precedent: The settlement established that foreclosure status cannot be used to challenge voter eligibility
- Journalism Recognition: The story demonstrated the power of investigative journalism in protecting voting rights
- Ongoing Relevance: The case is still cited in discussions about voter suppression tactics and housing discrimination
Understanding Voter Caging
“Voter caging” refers to the practice of sending mail to registered voters and then using returned mail as evidence to challenge their eligibility. Using foreclosure lists represented a variation of this tactic — assuming that people who lost their homes were no longer eligible to vote at their registered address.
Important Note
Losing your home to foreclosure does not automatically make you ineligible to vote. Voters have the right to update their registration address, and many foreclosure victims continue to live in the same area, with relatives, or in temporary housing within the same jurisdiction.
Related Coverage
Know Your Voting Rights
If you’re facing foreclosure or have questions about your voter eligibility in Michigan, contact your local county clerk’s office or visit the Michigan Voter Information Center.