Michigan state officials removed two local election officials, Tom Schierkolk and David LaMere, from overseeing the vote in Rock River Township after they expressed intentions to hand count ballots, a move deemed unlawful and insecure by Michigan’s elections director, Jonathan Brater. Schierkolk is associated with activists who promote baseless theories about election corruption and the insecurity of electronic voting machines, echoing claims made by Donald J. Trump and his allies after the 2020 election.
Brater emphasized that hand-counting is illegal and could compromise the accuracy and security of the vote count, noting that voting machines are generally more reliable and efficient. Schierkolk argued that a hand count would be lawful under the state’s Constitution, but ultimately the state ordered them to hand over their election duties to other officials in order to maintain public trust in the integrity of elections.
This move comes amidst ongoing efforts to prevent Trump-aligned officials from attempting to undermine election rules and sow doubt in the electoral process. By enforcing proper procedures and upholding the use of voting machines, Michigan officials are working to ensure fair and secure elections in the state.
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