[Sooth2222]

"All that said, I don't think the courts would allow Michigan to upcharge Stein. Prohibition on ex post facto is a good reason. "

Jill Stein might have a right to a stupid and futile gesture, but does she have a right to a stupid and futile gesture at the expense of Michigan taxpayers? (It seems to be rare to go after protesters for financial damages, probably because most don't have $20 in their wallets, but Stein and her husband are both doctors and financial statements indicate they are worth about $8MM.)

Is Michigan doing anything more than quantifying the damages with their new law?

[Cboldt]

-- Jill Stein might have a right to a stupid and futile gesture, but does she have a right to a stupid and futile gesture at the expense of Michigan taxpayers? --

Sure, as long as she follows the law. The state rewards all sorts of stupid and damaging conduct. The law says "pay $125 per precinct, and we will recount it."

-- Is Michigan doing anything more than quantifying the damages with their new law? --

I don't know for sure, but I think the proposed law -ONLY- adds a third tier of fee. $25/precinct if the margin is smaller than 0.5% or 50 votes (whichever is larger); $125 per precinct up to a margin of 5% (this fee is currently there, but applies to all contests with a margin more than 0.5%); and actual cost to recount a constest with a margin greater than 5%.

I don't believe the proposed law makes any other changes.