MICHIGAN BOARD OF STATE CANVASSERS

Here’s what you need to know about a massive statewide recount, legislators’ last week in Lansing and more. 🗳️ Election critics get a recountThe Michigan Board of State Canvassers meets in Lansing, Mich., on Dec. 5, 2022. The Board of State Canvassers unanimously greenlit the recount Monday, even though members worried about EIF’s unproven claims of systemic fraud. 🗣️ “I can confirm that my office was served a subpoena in connection with the special counsel’s investigation yesterday,” Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson said Thursday. 5 more stories from MLive:🗳️ Michigan Supreme Court ends DePerno’s Antrim County election lawsuit⚖️ Flint water criminal charges dismissed against former Gov.

The vote delivers a final blow to the far right’s last-ditch efforts to overturn the election

The letter on behalf of Nessel was in response to a Sept. 27 letter from Sen. Jeremy Moss, D-Southfield. Moss asked the Attorney General for her opinion on whether state officials are immune from tort liability or legal protection following the board’s 2-2 vote for both the Promote the Vote and Reproductive Freedom for All ballot initiatives. In the Reproductive Freedom for All case, justices argued the Board of State Canvassers went beyond its power when its denial had nothing to do with the validity of signatures or the form of the petition. Moss told MLive Wednesday that his initial letter to the Attorney General’s office was to clarify the consequences of not following the duties of office ahead of the general election. “I don’t want any shenanigans happening in the certification of this election like those that were attempted in the last election,” Moss said.

The Michigan Board of State Canvassers has approved ballot language for three proposals on the Nov. 8 general election ballot.

I’ve finally had the duty of writing this newsletter foisted-err, bestowed upon me, and I look forward to taking you through another whirlwind week in Michigan politics. Voters For Transparency and Term Limits? Proposal 1: This one’s a two-parter, which would both rejigger term limits and requires a measure of financial disclosure from election officials. In terms of term limits, Michigan’s current cap is six and eight years in the House and Senate, respectively, which would be replaced by a single 12-year limit that’s irrespective of chamber. Voters For Transparency and Term Limits, the “yes” group, already has their first ad up on TV.

Republicans lost an effort to stop a popular ballot measure over abortions from making it to voting booths in November.

As a final formality, the Michigan Board of State Canvassers convened Friday to certify two ballot proposals to appear on the November ballot after being ordered to do so by the state’s high court.

An abortion-rights group has asked the Michigan Supreme Court to approve a November ballot question on whether the right to abortion should be enshrined in the state constitution.

Those leading the Promote the Vote 2022 ballot initiative in Michigan have filed an appeal with the state supreme court after a board declined to certify their proposal for the November ballot.

The Michigan Board of State Canvassers deadlocked during a vote Wednesday over whether to certify a voting rights ballot proposal seeking to make voting in elections easier and more accessible.

The Michigan Board of State Canvassers is convening Wednesday morning to consider several matters -- among them, the decision whether to allow an abortion rights ballot proposal seeking to amend the state constitution to appear on the November ballot.

Steve Yoder is only 30 years old, but he says his experience with local elections and his dedication to process and law would make him a good fit for Michigan’s top election certification board. He’s one of three GOP nominees for an open seat on the Michigan Board of State Canvassers. The bipartisan board of two Democrats and two Republicans certifies statewide election results, conducts recounts and approves ballot language, among other duties. Related: Election law – not politics – would guide Michigan GOP nominees for top canvasser boardLike the two other GOP nominees, Yoder said he would not bring a political agenda to the board, instead being dedicated to the process. But when a vote would arise for Yoder, he said it would be based on Michigan’s election law and not personal feelings.

Neither has a professional background in election law, but both told MLive their multiple decades of campaign experience would serve them well on the Board of State Canvassers, which has a Republican opening. “There’s strictly a law in the state of Michigan for elections.”Duties of the four-member canvassing board – two Democrats and two Republicans – include certifying statewide election results, conducting recounts and approving ballot language. Read more: Michigan GOP pulls election board nominee as state rep likely ineligibleLiberal interest group Progress Michigan has attempted to paint Hewitt as a supporter of formerPresident Donald Trump’s “Big Lie” that the 2020 election was stolen from him. Related: Republican resigns from Michigan election board, cites possible candidacy conflict“I think the world of Norm, but I would never abstain from a vote,” Hewitt said. “But I’m not critiquing the current board,” Hewitt added, “because I wasn’t there.

“The issue of ‘Is it a conflict to be a candidate on a state board?’ is just swirling around a little bit,” Shinkle, who is also the board’s chair, told MLive. You know what I mean?”The four-member Board of State Canvassers certifies statewide election results, conducts recounts, and approves ballot initiative language, among other things. Board members – two Republicans and two Democrats – are nominated by the parties and confirmed by the governor. Shinkle suggested they tap at least somebody who “knows a little bit about election law.”“It’s just a lot of reading,” he said. Three weeks after the 2020 election, Shinkle abstained from certifying the presidential results as the board’s two Democrats and other Republican voted to certify.

Five Republican candidates for governor were among those disqualified from the ballot after they submitted thousands of fraudulent signatures on their petitions. Brandenburg said that by throwing candidates off the ballot, the board of canvassers was disenfranchising thousands of valid petition signatures. Michigan gubernatorial race has been cut in halfThursday’s ruling essentially cut the Republican gubernatorial race in half, and potentially eliminated the some of the top players in the game. RELATED: Michigan blocks 5 from GOP governor ballot – candidates promise lawsuits4. Bipartisan board was split on some votesThe four members of the state board voted together for many of the 32 cases considered on Thursday.

Thursday (May 26), five republican candidates were officially thrown off the ballot by the state board of canvassers. Those candidates include former Detroit Police Chief James Craig, Perry Johnson, Donna Brandenburg, Michael Markey, and Mike Brown.

The Michigan Board of State Canvassers is set to meet Thursday to determine who will appear on the ballot for the 2022 gubernatorial primary election in August after five GOP candidates reportedly failed to submit enough nominating signatures.

Fifteen candidates including a current state senator, a notable 2020 election denier and a Congressional candidate were disqualified from the 2022 primary election ballots, the Michigan Department of State announced late Tuesday. The disqualifications were for a mix of violations of state election law. Sen. Betty Alexander, D-Detroit, was among 11 candidates the state department said made false statements about complying with the Michigan Campaign Finance Act. She was running for reelection in the 6th state Senate district, which after redistricting covers Detroit suburbs like Redford Township and Farmington Hills. The other three candidates were Michael Shallal (57th state House district), Steven Thomas (31st state Senate district) and Howard Weathington (3rd state Senate district).

Over 300,000 signatures needed to appear on November ballot

Read more: Ballot proposal aims to change Michigan’s term limits, increase legislative transparencyThe approval means the initiative is one step closer to being circulated. The state panel listened to hours of debate on whether the board’s proposed petition sheet summary described measures as increasing or decreasing term limits. Patrick Anderson, one of the principal authors of Michigan’s 1992 term limits law, told canvassers the initial proposed language, which included the word “change” in its reference to the proposed updates to the law, would repeal term limits. Just looking alone at the fact that the exception to the 12-year limit continues current term limits so for members elected to the senate in 2022,” said Steven Liedel, an attorney representing Voters for Transparency and Term Limits. “You’re changing the total way that you calculate term limits.

DELTA TOWNSHIP, MI — The Michigan Board of State Canvassers approved two petition summaries allowing the creation of so-called “Opportunity Scholarships” that would allow donors to get tax breaks on donations toward nonpublic education. Republican supporters of the new school funding system say it would offer more flexibility and choices in education and would address disparities in educational options available to some students. The second petition allows donors to claim tax breaks on their contributions to the scholarship program. On a separate matter, canvassers voted Monday along party lines on new petition forms submitted by Secure MI Vote and Unlock Michigan II. The board wants signatures counted for petition forms that complied with the rules in effect during circulation or at the time the petitions were approved.

A petition-driven initiative to prohibit discrimination against LGBTQ people in Michigan is now dead after the Michigan Supreme Court on Tuesday declined to weigh in...

A controversial, Republican-backed petition drive to restrict voting access in Michigan gained approval Monday, clearing the way for advocates to begin collecting signatures. The Michigan...

The Michigan Board of State Canvassers plans to meet Monday to determine the fate of a petition-driven initiative to prohibit discrimination against LGBTQ people in...

LANSING, MI — The Unlock Michigan campaign is now one step closer to accomplishing its goal of repealing the law used by Gov. The Michigan Board of State Canvassers unanimously certified a petition from Unlock Michigan on Tuesday morning that would repeal the Emergency Powers of the Governor Act of 1945, which Gov. Whitmer used the Emergency Powers of Governor Act to issue emergency orders until the Michigan Supreme Court called the law unconstitutional on Oct. 2, 2020. Keep Michigan Safe, a liberal group formed in opposition to the Unlock Michigan initiative, called on lawmakers to oppose the petition’s approval. ALSO ON MLIVE:Unlock Michigan launching new petition drive, this time to curb health department powersUnlock Michigan petition certification fails in split vote of state canvassersUnlock Michigan petition signatures deemed valid by Secretary of StateUnlock Michigan petition effort was ‘sleazy,’ but not illegal, AG says

The Michigan Board of State Canvassers (BSC) is meeting on Tuesday to consider a petition to recall Governor Gretchen Whitmer.

click to enlarge Screengrab/ZoomMichigan Board of State Canvassers certified the election results in November. Gretchen Whitmer appointed a new Republican to the Michigan Board of State Canvassers to replace the GOP member who voted to certify Joe Biden’s win in November.The announcement on Tuesday comes after the Michigan Republican Party failed to nominate Aaron Van Langevelde to another four-year term.Tony Daunt, executive director of the Michigan Freedom Fund, will replace Van Langevelde when his term expires on Jan. 31. Unlike many conspiracy-peddling Republicans in the state, Daunt publicly dismissed false claims that Democrats stole the election from President Donald Trump. Rick Snyder, logistics director for the Michigan Republican Party, and communications director for former state Sen. Randy Richardville.Daunt has a bachelor’s degree in political science from Michigan State University.Daunt was among three conservative activists nominated by state Republicans. Under state law, Whitmer is tasked with appointing one of the three nominees to the canvassing board.Whitmer also appointed Democrat Jeanette L. Bradshaw to another term on four-member the board.

click to enlarge Screengrab/ZoomMichigan Board of State Canvassers member Aaron Van Langevelde. The Michigan Republican Party is throwing Aaron Van Langevelde to the curb after he voted to certify Joe Biden’s win in November.One of two Republicans on the Michigan Board of State Canvassers, Van Langevelde was hailed as a lone voice of reason after he resisted pressure from inside his party to delay certification. The other Republican, Norman Shinkle, abstained.Now the Michigan Republican Party plans to replace him with another conservative activist when his four-year term expires on Jan. 31. The other nominees are Tony Daunt, director of the conservative Michigan Freedom Fund, and Tori Sachs, executive director of Michigan Rising Action.Gov. “That is very clear.”Leaders of the Michigan Republican Party have repeatedly peddled false claims about election fraud in a shameless attempt to overturn Biden’s victory.

DETROIT – On Tuesday, Republican John James conceded to Democrat and incumbent Gary Peters in Michigan’s closely watched US Senate race. In the statement James who previously ran for a seat on the Senate against Democrat and longtime US Sen. Debbie Stabenow congratulated Peters on his victory. Republicans including James had called for an investigation into the election results alleging potential voting fraud. Since the presidential election Republican leaders have made allegations of voter fraud without substantial evidence. “John James’ life of service sacrifice and selflessness has inspired millions of Michiganders.

(CBSNewYork) — The Dow Jones Industrial Average crossed the 30,000 threshold for the first time ever on Tuesday. The Dow ended its day at 30,046.24, a gain of almost 455 points. The General Services Administration is letting President-elect Joe Biden move forward with the formal transition process after some delays. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 23, 2020Additional key states have also certified their election results after weeks of deliberations. The Michigan Board of State Canvassers certified its election results Monday.

LANSING, Mich. – Eight-hundred people signed up to speak and thousands watched as the Michigan Board of State Canvassers met in Lansing to vote on whether to certify election results. After Michigan certified, the Biden campaign received a letter from the General Services Administration (GSA) that the Trump Administration is ready to begin the formal transition process. Read more: Board ends controversy over Michigan election after certifying resultsThe Michigan Board of State Canvassers ended the controversy over the November election Monday afternoon. It voted 3-0 to certify the election results with one abstention. There were circulating rumors that both Republican Board of State Canvassers members were considering voting no and delaying the certification.

DETROIT – There is a lot of controversy surrounding a huge Christmas inflatable named “Gretch the Grinch” at a Trenton restaurant. The owner of the restaurant says he felt it was one of the only ways to get a message across. WATCH Local 4 News at 11Metro Detroit weather: Wetter, windier and warmer as Thanksgiving approachesThanksgiving week starts out pretty typical, but it will get a lot wetter, windier and warmer as we head toward Turkey Day. 4 Fast FactsBe InformedAfter a long afternoon of public comment and deliberation the Michigan Board of State Canvassers voted to certify the November election results. The Board of State Canvassers, which has two Republicans and two Democrats, confirmed the results on a 3-0 vote with one abstention.

DETROIT – The Michigan Board of State Canvassers ended the controversy over the November election Monday afternoon. It voted 3-0 to certify the election results with one abstention. There were circulating rumors that both Republican Board of State Canvassers members were considering voting no and delaying the certification. Today’s vote of the State Board of Canvassers to certify Michigan’s November election confirms the truth: the election was fair and secure, and the results accurately reflect the will of the voters. “The Board fulfilled its legal duties today in certifying the results, and now our democratic process can move forward.

Here’s what you missed on Local 4 News at 5:Michigan Board of State Canvassers certifies General Election resultsMichigan’s Board of State Canvassers has voted to certify the Nov. 3, 2020 General Election results. The vote was 3-1 with one lone Republican board member abstaining during an hourslong meeting on Monday. With all 83 counties having already voted to certify their results, the Board of State Canvassers had what was called a “ministerial” duty to certify the results at the state level. In fact, state law requires the Board of Canvassers to do such within 40 days after the election.

DETROIT – After a long afternoon of public comment and deliberation the Michigan Board of State Canvassers voted to certify the November election results. Details: Michigan Board of State Canvassers certifies Nov. 3 General Election resultsThe Board of State Canvassers, which has two Republicans and two Democrats, confirmed the results on a 3-0 vote with one abstention. “I commend the three members of the State Board of Canvassers who voted to follow the law and certify the 2020 election results today. President-elect Biden won the State of Michigan by more than 154,000 votes, and he will be our next president on January 20th. Today Cox issued a statement reiterating her remarks before the election results were officially certified.

Michigan's top elections board certified Joe Biden's win in that state's presidential vote Monday, dealing President Donald Trump yet another blow in his effort to block the Democrat's national victory. The Michigan Board of State Canvassers signed off on the popular election results in a 3-0 vote. After the meeting, the legislators said they had seen no evidence of fraud that would invalidate the popular vote. "We thank the State of Michigan for its support, and look forward to receiving its 16 electoral votes," he said. But those claims have repeatedly failed to gain traction in courts where the campaign and Trump allies have filed lawsuits.

Here’s what you missed on Local 4 News at 4:Michigan Board of State Canvassers meeting continues -- Here’s where things standThe state of Michigan’s Board of State Canvassers is scheduled to vote on certifying the Nov. 3, 2020 General Election results on Monday. With all 83 counties having already voted to certify their results, the Board of State Canvassers is scheduled to meet to canvass the November general election at 1 p.m. Monday. The board is expected to vote on certifying the results during this meeting. The virtual meeting is open to the public.

The Michigan State Board of Canvassers is set to meet Monday afternoon to vote on certifying the Nov. 3, 2020 General Election results. UPDATE: Michigan Board of State Canvassers certifies Nov. 3 General Election resultsWith all 83 Michigan counties having already voted to certify their results, the Board of State Canvassers is scheduled to meet to canvass the November general election at 1 p.m. Monday. The board is expected to vote on certifying the results during this meeting. However, according to a CNN report, the vote will not be unanimous as one of the Republican members of the board plans not to vote in favor of certifying the election. It is unclear how Aaron Van Langevelde, the other Republican board member, will cast his vote.

What to know today 🌅Michigan Board of State Canvassers to meet on election certification todayThe state of Michigan’s Board of State Canvassers is scheduled to vote on certifying the Nov. 3, 2020 General Election results on Monday. The number of confirmed cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Michigan has risen to 302,705 as of Saturday, including 8,478 deaths, state officials report. On Friday, the state reported a total of 9,779 new cases and 53 additional deaths. The state reported 8,516 new cases on Nov. 13. On Saturday, the state of Michigan reported a total of 152,267 recoveries.

DETROIT – The Michigan Board of State Canvassers is set to meet Monday to decide whether Michigan’s election results will be certified. Republican Party leaders asked the Michigan Board of State Canvassers to delay certification two weeks to look into irregularities. The vote to certify Michigan’s election results comes nearly three weeks since Election Day. Despite Joe Biden’s lead over President Donald Trump by hundreds of thousands of votes, House Speaker Lee Chatfield spoke of the believed dangers that could follow a split decision on the Michigan Board of State Canvassers. In an interview with Fox News Sunday morning Republican and Michigan House Speaker, Lee Chatfield, talked about the possibility of a “constitutional crisis” ahead of the Michigan Board of State Canvassers scheduled Monday meeting to certify election results.

DETROIT – In an interview with Fox News Sunday morning Republican and Michigan House Speaker, Lee Chatfield, talked about the possibility of a “constitutional crisis” ahead of the Michigan Board of State Canvassers scheduled Monday meeting to certify election results. Chatfield debunked circulating rumors that he was asked to intervene in the election process during Friday’s meeting. Currently, Black voters are suing the Trump campaign over its effort to invalidate election results. Since the presidential election Republican leaders have made allegations of voter fraud without substantial evidence. It began the day you and other leaders refused to stand behind our clerks and election process,” said Koleszar in the Tweet.

DETROIT – In an interview with Fox News Sunday morning, Republican and Michigan House Speaker Lee Chatfield talked about the possibility of a “constitutional crisis” ahead of the Michigan Board of State Canvassers scheduled Monday meeting to certify election results. “If they didn’t have an order that it be certified, well now we have a constitutional crisis in the state of Michigan. WATCH Local 4 News at 11Metro Detroit weather: Winter Weather Advisory canceled as snow showers leaveSunday night will be cold. Overnight lows will be in the 20s and low 30s. Re-freezing and icy roads are possible overnight even though no additional rain or snow will fall.

click to enlarge Screengrab/ZoomMichigan Board of State Canvassers certifies the election results. “We have a duty to certify this election based on these returns. ""Our democracy, like the election officials who administer it, is resilient," Benson said in a statement. “You will be slapping every election worker in the face and disenfranchising every Michigan voter.”Biden won the election in Michigan by 154,188 votes. With results certified, electors will cast Michigan’s 16 votes in the Electoral College on Dec. 14.

DETROIT – A group of Detroit voters are now suing the Trump Campaign, claiming it’s trying to disenfranchise Black voters in their attempt to block the certification of votes in Wayne County. The lawsuit Anthony is talking about is 18 pages long. The plaintiffs are several local Detroit voters, along with the Michigan Welfare Rights Organization. They are suing Donald Trump and his campaign, claiming they’re trying to disenfranchise Black voters by trying to block the certification of votes in Wayne County. And we hired Joe Biden and Kamala Harris.”You can read the entire lawsuit filed against Trump and his campaign by the Michigan Welfare Rights Organization and Detroit residents here.

DETROIT – Three Detroit voters have joined a local organization in suing President Trump and his campaign over their effort to overturn the results of the 2020 election. Wayne County Board of Canvassers certifies results despite initial deadlockThe lawsuit comes days after two GOP members of the Wayne County Board of Canvassers initially voted not to certify the votes, citing discrepancies in the county’s numbers. The pair changed their minds again, however, after President Trump called them personally on Tuesday evening after the certification process. Still, some argue that their meeting with the president so close to the state’s certification meeting is concerning. We expect the State Board of Canvassers to do its job and count the votes.”The Michigan Board of State Canvassers is scheduled to meet at 1 p.m. on Monday.

DETROIT – Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel and Michigan Republican Party Chairman Laura Cox penned a joint letter dated today to the Michigan Board of State Canvassers asking to delay the certification of election results for two weeks. Since the presidential election Republican leaders have made allegations of voter fraud without substantial evidence. The letter was sent only a day after Michigan Republican leaders met with President Donald Trump. After the meeting both leaders issued a joint letter noting that the meeting with the president was on the state’s fight against COVID-19. @Local4News pic.twitter.com/qUMYjSr35H — Grant Hermes (@GrantHermes) November 21, 2020My joint letter with @GOPChairwoman to the Members of the Michigan Board of State Canvassers.

The Michigan Board of State Canvassers is expected to certify the results of the 2020 election on Monday, Nov. 23. Several legal experts and local leaders say the state’s certification of votes is simply the next step in the process and should carry on normally, despite drama over the certification process in Wayne County this week. On Wednesday, Palmer and Hartmann filed affidavits saying they believed the county vote “should not be certified” in an attempt to rescind their decision. Michigan officials say that there is no legal mechanism in place for the members to change their vote following certification. “I’m not worried about any attempts for them to cast out Wayne County,” said Detroit NAACP Executive Director Kamilia Landrum.

Their vote will stand.”The big question is what the Michigan Board of State Canvassers does on Monday. In midst of the election certification process, President Donald Trump has asked Michigan Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey and House Speaker Lee Chatfield to meet with him at the White House on Friday. Representatives with the Michigan State House and Senate could not be reached for comment. “There is no legal mechanism for them to rescind their vote. Their job is done and the next step in the process is for the Board of State Canvassers to meet and certify,” said secretary of state spokeswoman Tracy Wimmer, the AP reports.

The Secretary of State office’s statement comes after a whirlwind of a week for the Wayne County Board of Canvassers. In her affidavit, Palmer said “the Wayne County election had serious process flaws which deserve investigation. The Michigan Board of State Canvassers has until Nov. 23 to certify the election itself. And as always, under state law our department conducts these audits after the Board of State Canvassers has certified the election. The Michigan Republican Party condemns the actions of Democrats and we will continue to fight for transparency and integrity in Wayne County elections.

DETROIT – Two Republicans on the Wayne County Board of Canvassers are trying to rescind their vote to certify the county’s presidential election results. UPDATE: Michigan Secretary of State says GOP canvassers can’t legally rescind Wayne County election certification voteFast facts:New affidavitsIn her affidavit, Palmer said “the Wayne County election had serious process flaws which deserve investigation. Before the vote, Palmer said she would certify every community in Wayne County, except Detroit. The Wayne County Ethics Board is looking into that complaint. Certifying all election results for the state is now in the hands of the Michigan Board of Canvassers.

Trending 📈🇨🇦 Report: Canada extends US border closure until Dec. 21The U.S.-Canada border will remain closed to non-essential travel for another month, according to reports. The current extension of the border crossing restrictions was set to expire Nov. 21, 2020. The number of confirmed cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Michigan has risen to 277,806 as of Wednesday, including 8,190 deaths, state officials report. New COVID-19 cases and deaths continue to rise in Michigan. The state also reports “active cases,” which were listed at 125,000 on Tuesday, near its highest mark on record.

DETROIT – A street sign that popped up in Detroit is gaining a lot of attention. The sign read, “Hood Closed to Gentrifiers” -- addressing a big concern among inner-city neighborhoods across the country. The man who created the sign is known as Bryce Detroit. For him though, it’s more than just a sign, he says it’s a campaign -- and he’s about to take things up a notch. The Michigan Board of State Canvassers has until Nov. 23 to certify the election.

DETROIT – The Wayne County Board of Canvassers unanimously voted to certify the November election results Tuesday and asked the Michigan Secretary of State to conduct an audit of any Wayne County precincts with unexplained mismatching vote totals. The Michigan Board of State Canvassers has until Nov. 23 to certify the election. President Donald Trump tweeted repeatedly about the canvassers and called the two Republicans who voted against certification patriots. The Wayne County Ethics Board is looking into that complaint. This has nothing to do at all with where people live and the races they are.”The state board was expected to meet Wednesday, but that meeting has been postponed.