(The Center Square) – Michigan elections officials today offered a virtual briefing of the state’s Feb. 27 presidential primary.
Local officials reassured voters the electoral process in Michigan is safe and secure, transparent and conducted by voters’ friends and neighbors.
“Voters across the country are concerned, lack confidence in or have legitimate questions about our elections,” Kent County Clerk Lisa Posthumus Lyons said in a statement. “Rebuilding Michiganders’ confidence in our elections starts with education and transparency.”
Michigan voters will head to the polls Feb. 27 to cast a ballot in either the Republican or Democratic presidential primary. Those unavailable to vote on that day can vote early or via absentee ballot.
“Our elections have many built-in processes for verification and review before, during and after a vote is cast so we can trust that voters are protected, and election results are accurate,” Ottawa County Clerk Justin Roebuck said in a statement. “Transparency is a key part in our elections, and you can witness it for yourself by signing up to be a poll worker or observer.”
Michiganders from different parties, citizen groups, and independent organizations can observe the vote-counting process and trust that their vote counts.
Local elections officials use a variety of other methods to ensure votes are counted accurately and securely, including:
Public testing of the accuracy of voting machinesConfirming voter eligibility and identity when casting ballots.Bringing together people from all political parties to observe the process.Public audits of election results, and much more.
“Ballots from early voting, election day, and absentee voters are verified and counted, ensuring eligibility and accuracy every step of the way,” Kent County Chief Deputy Clerk Rob Macomber said in a statement. “Officials carefully follow these legal procedures to ensure only one vote per one eligible voter is counted. The vote count is verified by the bipartisan Board of Canvassers and there are a series of post-election audits that confirm accuracy. These local audits are publicized and held in public so everyday Michiganders can attend and see them for themselves.”
