Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson is facing scrutiny from Republican lawmakers after her office failed to clarify whether election challengers can observe the initial processing of mail-in ballots. Rep. Bryan Steil (R-WI), who chairs the Committee on House Administration, requested that Benson ensure election challengers could be present during crucial steps like verifying voter signatures and registration.
Steil’s letter, sent on September 13, highlighted concerns that some clerks in Michigan might be blocking observers during this critical phase. Benson’s office responded, but failed to confirm whether election challengers are permitted to monitor the process. Steil expressed disappointment, saying this lack of clarity undermines the transparency of the election process.
The mail-in ballot process in Michigan includes two steps: clerks first check voter information and then a separate team counts the ballots. While there is no question that challengers can observe the tabulation, the issue revolves around whether they can oversee the first phase, where potential irregularities may occur.
Michigan Fair Elections Founder Patrice Johnson raised further concerns, revealing that some clerks are processing ballots at home due to the heavy workload. This practice happens without any oversight, leading to fears about potential mishandling of ballots. Johnson warned that this creates significant problems for maintaining the integrity of the voting process.
Steil emphasized that allowing observers during all phases of mail-in voting is essential for election integrity, especially as mail-in ballots become more common. He stressed that transparency in this process is critical to ensuring that voters can trust the outcome of elections, particularly in swing states like Michigan.