Feds sue over late absentee ballots

DETROIT (AP) - A judge has scheduled a hearing Friday in Grand Rapids in the federal government's lawsuit over absentee ballots for Michigan members of the armed forces.

The U.S. Justice Department says many local clerks failed to get Aug. 7 primary ballots out by the June 23 deadline. The government is asking federal Judge Robert Jonker to order dozens of communities to count ballots even if they come in after the election next week.

State election officials estimate 150 voters are affected. Nonetheless, Secretary of State Ruth Johnson says any problem must be fixed.

In the Upper Peninsula, Ishpeming City Clerk Jenifer Rajala said she was off until two days after the June 23 deadline. She immediately sent the ballots to two soldiers and confirmed that they received them.