Michigan's approach to election recounts and fraud allegations has undergone significant changes following the enactment of two contentious bills signed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer on Monday, introducing new requirements for conducting ballot recounts and prosecuting election-related crimes.
One major change is the removal of the board of canvassers' investigative powers. Instead of the board conducting recounts, any fraud allegations must now be referred to the appropriate county prosecutor. Recounts will only be conducted for alleged errors that could potentially alter election results. The new laws also increase the deposit required for filing a recount petition, adjust guidelines for clerks, and amend sentencing guidelines for election law violations.
Senate Bill 603, introduced by State Senator Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit), permits recounts in precincts where there is a discrepancy between the number of ballots issued and those recorded or tabulated. Critics argue that removing the canvassers' investigatory powers and reducing protections against election worker interference will make it harder to address fraud and compromise election security.
Representative Jaime Greene (R-Richmond) highlighted concerns about existing vulnerabilities, such as the lack of a system to prevent individuals from voting in multiple states. She noted that the secretary of state had to be sued before removing 170,000 people no longer living in Michigan from the voter rolls.
Senate Bill 604, sponsored by State Senator Jeremy Moss (D-Southfield), complements the previous bill by changing sentencing guidelines for certain election law violations. Specifically, it establishes a five-year felony for interfering with a recount or related activities.
Republicans have criticized these bills, arguing that they will hinder election officials' ability to conduct fair and accurate elections. Despite the controversy, the new laws are effective immediately and will apply to the upcoming August primary races.
