A Michigan judge has dismissed criminal charges against 15 people who signed false certificates saying Donald Trump won the state's electoral votes in 2020.

The dismissal of fraud charges against 15 Michigan Republicans is the latest and most dramatic setback in the cases against the fake electors who were part of President Donald Trump's attempt to overturn the results of the 2020 election.

Sixteen Michigan Republicans will not face criminal trial over charges stemming from an alleged attempt to steer the 2020 election to President Trump.

A Michigan state judge on Tuesday dismissed charges against the fake electors who signed certificates falsely claiming President Donald Trump won Michigan in the 2020 election, saying that the state failed to prove the 15 men and women were knowingly trying to break the law.

The 15 Michigan Republicans were trying to seek redress after Trump's 2020 election loss and attempted to perform their civic duties, the judge said.

Michigan’s election security stakes are rising and while no votes have been proved compromised, state officials have warned about cyber vulnerabilities, bomb scares and even intimidation of local cler

Those who knowingly lie about elections could face a fine of up to $1,000 under a Democratic proposal in Michigan, but critics say such penalties could be applied in a partisan way.

Mike Rogers seeks to win the party a seat for the first time since 1994.