Michigan Election Integrity Updates
Stay Informed
“In the words of President John F. Kennedy, “The ignorance of one voter in a democracy impairs the security of all.” MC4EI believes that citizens need to stay informed on matters pertaining to election integrity and the voting system.
Subsequent to the 2022 Midterm elections, Michigan has undergone a profound shift away from Republican conservative values. Democrats now have a lock hold on the governorship, secretary of state, attorney general as well as senate and house. They also prevail in university boards of trustees.
Passage of Proposal 2 in Michigan with an amendment to the state constitution severely impacts the ability to have secure elections going forward.
However, there will be ongoing efforts to legally challenge the constitutionality of Proposal 2. In addition, there will be continuing activity to clean up inaccurate voter rolls.
This page will provide updates on these issues in Michigan.”
Did You Know?
Knowledge is power! The more we know, the more we can be more effective communicators in promoting principles of election integrity. We have found that many people are unsure of the meaning of words and phrases as it relates to elections. On this page, we will provide an ongoing list of terms and processes with definitions and explanations. Such as:
What does a poll worker do?
Also known as Election Inspectors in Michigan. Paid.
For in person voters: Identifies voter. Records voter in electronic poll book. Issues ballot. Verifies ballot number and instructs voter to insert ballot into tabulator.
For absentee ballot voters: see link
What is the QVF?
Qualified Voter File. Database which links Michigan’s 1520 cities and townships to a statewide voter registration file. Contains over 7.5 million voter registration records.
What does it mean to be “out of balance”?
The number of ballots recorded in the poll book don’t match the number of ballots counted by the machines. In the 2020 election, 72% of precincts in Detroit were out of balance and therefore, by Michigan law, a recount or audit cannot be performed.
How is an internet connection determined in tabulators (voting machines)?
“sneaker net”, USB-compatible cellular modem, ethernet connection, wireless modem chip embedded in motherboard of voting machine. Observations from TCF in Detroit and Antrim County, MI attest to internet connectivity.
What is the process of signature matching?
Signatures on a voters’ absentee ballot must match the signature on the voter registration file. The Michigan process for determining if signatures match is arbitrary and lacks standardization. Court ruling against Secretary of State as violating signature matching requirements.
What are drop boxes and what is the problem with them?
Absentee/mail-in ballots can be placed in drop boxes that may be monitored with surveillance cameras. They are to be closed at 8pm on election day.
In 2020 election drop boxes were primarily placed in Democrat communities with no oversight or active monitoring of surveillance cameras. There are security concerns with ballot harvesting when utilizing drop boxes as they can provide access to ballot harvesting which is illegal in Michigan.
How do voting tabulators work?
Plymouth Township Clerk, Jerry Vorva shows and explains how the Dominion Tabulator works. He also explains how the Canon High Speed Tabulator works. The High Speed is used in the Absentee Counting Boards. https://youtu.be/r2bE60-QA7E
What does a poll challenger do?
Observes poll workers to make sure they are following proper election procedures and laws. May challenge ballots they believe are not valid. Their challenges must be recorded. They are not to be threatened or intimidated. Michigan Law MCL 168.733. (Election Worker Resources – Challengers – see “Watch the Video” link)
What is an electronic poll book (EPB) and how does it relate to the QVF?
The EPB software contains downloads from the QVF software that can be loaded onto a laptop prior to each election.
What does adjudication mean?
If a ballot is ambiguous, such as a voter voted for both Trump and Biden or the circles are not filled out completely, voting machine software assigns the ballot to adjudication. Then election inspectors must decide (“adjudicate”) who the voter intended to vote for.
What are the Michigan State Laws pertaining to elections?
Known as MCL (Michigan Compiled Laws). Link to Michigan Legislature – Basic MCL search and type in the word “election” after Popular Name. Hit return and the full list of extensive election laws will appear (MCL 168.1 to 168.992)
What is ballot harvesting?
Third party collection and delivery of ballots to election offices. These ballot “harvesters” or “brokers” are people not related to or known to the voter. Partisan party operatives are often paid to do this.
Ballot harvesting is illegal in Michigan.