LANSING, Mich. — State election officials held a news conference Wednesday morning to explain election processes and clear the air of misconceptions ahead of the midterm election on Nov. 8.
The briefing was held virtually over Zoom.
Watch the news conference here:
Those in attendance included former Michigan Elections Director Chris Thomas, Ottawa County Clerk Justin Roebuck, Chair of the State Board of Canvassers Tony Daunt, and Vice Chair of the State Board of Canvassers Mary Ellen Gurewitz.
Election officials went over how ballots are verified and counted, as well as explained the processes behind canvassing and certifying elections.
“Today, once routine election practices are subject to intense scrutiny by extremists seeking to undermine trust in American democracy,” says Thomas. “All across Michigan, it's more important than ever for everyone from voters to the local press to understand that our elections are defined by order and process – not the chaos that some would have you believe."
Election officials say votes are counted as soon as polls close at 8 p.m. We’re told each precinct will then have statements of returns prepared to send to the county board of canvassers as well as the county clerk.
After that, each county’s board of canvassers meet to ensure the results are accurate, election officials tell FOX 17. They say local boards are required to wrap up the canvassing process and certify the results before Nov. 22.
“Clerks and other election staff follow very specific rules and processes before, during and after Election Day – and personal opinions have no place in our line of work,” says Roebuck. “Election officials and poll workers are trained professionals and volunteers, some of whom have made elections possible in their communities for decades. Across this state – and across this country – fair and free elections are a point of pride for all of us.”
Election officials ensure they are not permitted to alter vote totals, and neither are canvassers.
The state Board of Canvassers then convenes to begin the statewide canvass process, which begins Nov. 28 and ends before Dec. 18, at which point election results are made official upon certification, according to election officials.
“Election certification at the county and state level are the two final steps in making election results official,” says Daunt. “As canvassers, our duty to review the results is clear. Our role is to follow the law and confirm the results faithfully reported by election administrators across the state – nothing more, nothing less."
Read a detailed timeline of key dates related to the 2022 general election.
View this multi-state report for more information:
Opening+the+Curtain+ +a+Multi State+Report by WXMI on Scribd
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