Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson is under scrutiny for her office’s refusal to clarify rules regarding election observers during the initial stage of mail-in ballot processing. Rep. Bryan Steil (R-WI), Chairman of the Committee on House Administration, requested clarification after concerns emerged that some Michigan clerks believe observers, known as challengers, are not permitted to monitor this crucial phase. The request stems from fears over election transparency and security.
In a letter dated September 13, Steil asked Benson to confirm whether Michigan law allows challengers to observe the verification process for mail-in ballots, which includes verifying voter registration and signatures. Although Benson’s office responded by the September 23 deadline, the answer did not provide the clarification Steil sought, leading to further disappointment. Steil expressed his frustration, noting that “Americans deserve secure and fair elections.”
Michigan’s two-step mail-in ballot process involves initial processing by local clerks, followed by tabulation by a voter counting board. While there is no dispute over challengers’ ability to observe the tabulation process, Steil’s concern lies in the initial phase, where significant decisions — like signature verification — are made.
Some Michigan clerks reportedly process ballots outside of their offices, sometimes taking ballots home due to workload pressures. This practice raises concerns about the chain of custody and transparency, with critics like Michigan Fair Elections Founder Patrice Johnson pointing out that such activities take place without observers present, increasing the risk of potential fraud.
Steil emphasized the importance of transparency in mail-in voting, which has been recognized as more vulnerable to fraud compared to in-person voting. With the rise of mail-in ballots across 36 states, Steil’s push for clarity is a response to growing concerns about election integrity. As the situation develops, Steil promises to pursue further action to ensure transparency in Michigan’s election processes.
