Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson has sparked controversy by refusing to comply with the Department of Justice’s request for unredacted voter rolls. Benson justifies her stance by claiming to protect the Social Security numbers of Michigan voters. Critics argue that her actions hint at more troubling issues, such as potential non-citizen registrations and a lack of transparency in Michigan’s voter rolls.
Allegations have emerged that Michigan’s voter registration system contains numerous inaccuracies, including the registration of deceased individuals. For instance, the article reveals that an astonishing 333 voters aged 115 or older are still classified as “ACTIVE” voters. This statistic raises eyebrows, particularly since figures from the Census Bureau suggest that only a limited number of individuals aged 105 and above actually exist in the state.
The story highlights several long-deceased individuals purportedly voting in Michigan elections, including Ardis Barnes, who was listed as voting 41 years after his death. Barnes’s voting history and registration raise fundamental questions about how such errors could occur. In a similar case, Selma Steel, whose name appeared inconsistently on voter rolls, allegedly cast absentee ballots in three elections posthumously.
These examples expose significant flaws in the Michigan voting system. Reports also indicate that authorities had previously disregarded signature matching protocols during the 2020 election, which may have contributed to the problems outlined here.
The article emphasizes ongoing investigations and activists’ efforts to unveil the depth of these issues. In light of the upcoming gubernatorial race, where Benson is a candidate, her refusal to cooperate with federal inquiries takes on an even greater significance.
Michigan’s approach to voting integrity and the management of its voter rolls is under scrutiny. The need for accurate and reliable voter registration remains a vital component of maintaining faith in electoral processes. The follow-up investigations from teams like Check My Vote may reveal even more widespread discrepancies that could undermine public trust in future elections.
"*" indicates required fields
