During the meeting, Democrat member Jonathan Kinloch objected, saying "I smell politics at the core of this action," adding "I smell the games."

According to Michigan GOP Chair Laura Cox, "enough evidence of irregularities and potential voter fraud was uncovered" during the election to trigger the deadlock.

Here's a rundown and some analysis from Robert J. DeNult of Duke Law (via Twitter): 

Continued...

Michigan has a system where panels of citizens (2 D’s, 2 R’s) have to certify vote totals. Usually 4-0 approved. This year, R’s statewide discussed not approving them and splitting to a deadlock. This appears to be part of that effort in Wayne County.

This county covers Detroit. The panel R’s said they would approve everywhere *but* Detroit, building strong case for an inherent racial discrimination claim in a future voting lawsuit. But this is extremely concerning. Counties that fail to certify send evidence to Secretary of State (a Dem) and State Board of Canvassers to certify. State Board similarly split (2 D’s, 2 R’s). In the end obstruction is unlikely to work. But it is a clear effort to deligitimize election and delay.

A winner of Wayne County (Biden, or someone else who won an election there) may want to bring a state lawsuit about this. While it’s not clear there is a proper claim to make, a judge might ask the panel to give evidence of why it is suddenly deadlocked, or order them to certify.

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And as The Detroit News notes, the lack of certification in Wayne County could extend the deadline for a possible recount - petitions for which are required to be filed with the county clerk within six days after the county canvassing board certifies the election.