Michigan Election Officials Respond to DOJ Warning
Michigan election officials have pushed back against the recent warning from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) regarding the presence of noncitizens on voter rolls or casting ballots. The DOJ sent letters to election officials in all states, including Michigan, emphasizing the importance of accurate voter rolls and preventing noncitizens from voting in federal elections.
The letter addressed to Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson highlighted the state’s responsibility to ensure only eligible citizens are registered and voting. Michigan Deputy Secretary of State Aghogho Edevbie affirmed that the state already has procedures in place to uphold these standards, stating, “At the end of the day, states run elections.”
The DOJ’s memo outlined election officials’ obligations under various federal laws, including the Civil Rights Act, Voting Rights Act, National Voter Registration Act, and Help America Vote Act. It emphasized the importance of maintaining precise voter registration lists, preserving election records, and verifying information on voter registration applications.
Michigan officials have expressed concerns that the federal government is exceeding its authority with this warning. Edevbie noted that while the DOJ’s actions may cause confusion, they will not alter Michigan’s election procedures. He reassured voters that the rules governing the election process remain unchanged and encouraged voter participation in the upcoming elections.
Additionally, the DOJ announced plans to deploy election monitors to Detroit, Lansing, and East Lansing for Michigan’s August 4 primary, further underlining the heightened federal scrutiny of election administration leading up to the elections.
