Last month, as already reported, a U.S. District Court struck down Michigan’s requirement that statewide independent candidates need 30,000 signatures. The court said until the legislature acts, the statewide independent petition requirement will be 12,000.

The state’s decision on whether to appeal this decision to the Sixth Circuit is January 21. However, on January 21, the state instead filed a motion asking the judge to clarify her decision. They feel the decision is unclear as to whether the legislature would have the power to set the new petition requirement higher than 12,000.

By asking for a clarification, the state can delay its decision on whether to appeal the case until after the judge responds.