Michigan’s Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson is under pressure from Rep. Bryan Steil (R-WI) for failing to ensure that election challengers can observe key parts of the mail-in ballot process. Steil, Chairman of the Committee on House Administration, has been pushing Benson to clarify whether party-appointed challengers are allowed to monitor the initial steps, such as voter registration verification and signature checks.
In a letter sent to Benson on September 13, Steil asked for clarification, citing concerns that some clerks were not permitting observers during these early phases. Benson’s office responded by the September 23 deadline, but Steil expressed disappointment in their lack of clarity, noting that this issue is crucial for maintaining public trust in elections.
Michigan’s system for mail-in ballots involves two stages: the initial verification by clerks and the tabulation by a voter counting board. The controversy arises over whether observers can be present during the first stage. Without oversight, there are fears that mistakes or even fraud could occur.
Patrice Johnson, from Michigan Fair Elections, revealed that some clerks have been processing mail-in ballots from their homes due to overwhelming numbers. This raises questions about transparency, with no one to ensure that signature verification and other checks are being conducted properly. Johnson warned that this creates significant “chain-of-custody” concerns.
Steil argued that transparency is critical, especially in mail-in voting, which he pointed out is more prone to fraud than in-person voting. As mail-in voting becomes more widespread, Steil’s call for clarity and oversight is seen as essential to maintaining election integrity in Michigan and beyond.
