Michigan Sec. Of State Braces For Certification Shenanigans In Primary Elections

Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson (D) speaks during a press conference on November 2, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan. (Kent Nishimura/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
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With Michigan’s Tuesday primaries looming on the horizon, Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson (D) is preparing for the very real possibility that rogue canvassers may try to hijack the election certification process on the basis of voter fraud lies.

Amid a troubling trend of Michigan county Republicans quietly replacing election board canvassers who voted to certify Joe Biden’s 2020 victory in the state, Benson told the Detroit News in an interview that was published on Sunday that her office was “ready for anything at this point.”

“Any attempts to block the certification of our elections, regardless of the results, will be futile,” the elections official said. “We are confident that the courts will swiftly enforce the law and that at the end of the day, the will of the people will stand.”

Benson said that her office has been making sure canvassers understand that they’re legally obligated to allow the certification process to proceed uninterrupted.

As another safeguard, Benson’s office has also drawn up a “Poll Worker’s Code of Conduct” to prevent a repeat of the chaos brought on by Trump supporters that exploded at Detroit’s convention center the day after the 2020 election as workers were trying to count absentee ballots.

And Benson is ready to get the authorities involved to ensure the code of conduct gets enforced.

“If it is not (followed), we are in touch with local law enforcement, as well as local clerks, to ensure that any disruptions or illegal activity is dealt with swiftly, so we can minimize any potential impact … on the elections,” she told the Detroit News.

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Notable Replies

  1. Well I get to vote tomorrow, I wonder if the poll worker who wore a kilt last time will be there this time? Is it ever too hot to wear a woolen kilt?

  2. The real problem is MAGA folks don’t have any real belief in America or any ethics. They are committed to their mythology.

  3. The fascistgop could not make their disdain for democracy any more apparent than by proudly proclaiming their refusal to participate in free and fair elections.

    Their fascism, their contempt for our constitution, their contempt for women, their contempt for law enforcement personnel (of the non-fascist variety) must be hammered on in all upcoming election campaigns. They’ve defined themselves so let’s hang that definition around their necks for all voters to see.

    The J6 committee hearings have been an excellent vehicle for highlighting the rot that republicans are apparently so proud of. Now we must take advantage and shine the light of truth upon them.

  4. I work for the local Board of Elections (NYC) so I’m not too worried. I’ve never seen any kind of voter shenanigans during the previous elections I’ve worked, but this year may be different. There is always a policer officer on duty, so I’m not freaking out. I’m far more concerned with my fellow poll workers in red states. Good luck.

  5. “If it is not (followed), we are in touch with local law enforcement, as well as local clerks, to ensure that any disruptions or illegal activity is dealt with swiftly, so we can minimize any potential impact … on the elections,”

    For what it’s worth: “Step out of line, the men come and take you away.”

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