The option to vote by mail was guaranteed by a constitutional amendment that was passed as a ballot proposal in 2016. Yet, voting by mail has become a lightning rod for political debate.
Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson recently testified before the United States House Judiciary Committee in response to questions about the integrity of the absentee ballot request form that was mailed to every registered voter.
When addressing concerns over potential voter fraud, Benson cited the success of the May election, saying that “the result was that turnout doubled what it normally is for a May local election, and 99% of voters cast their ballots by mail or at a ballot dropbox. Voting in person was available, safe, and absent of any crowds or lines. There were zero reports of fraud.” Benson, a Democrat, went on to warn about efforts to cast doubts on the process, saying, “Facts must prevail over fear.”
Still, a lawsuit was filed in federal court on Tuesday, accusing Benson and sixteen county clerks of poorly maintaining eligible voter records and undermining confidence in the integrity of the voting process. The suit was filed by Tony Daunt, a Republican Activist and Executive Director of the Michigan Freedom Fund.
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
