Hello,
Thank you for contacting Senate Majority Leader Shirkey to express your concerns regarding our elections. I believe that protecting the integrity of our elections should be a priority for every citizen.
Our citizens must have complete confidence in the fairness of the elections that determine their representatives. Following the election on Nov. 3, the Senate Oversight Committee launched hearings to investigate claims of errors or fraud that may have impacted the election results. It met Saturday, November 7th at 11:00am. One of the committee’s first actions was to subpoena records from the secretary of state. We believe it is our duty as legislators to provide a forum to review policies and procedures regarding our elections so we can reveal the truth, dispel myths, and propose changes in the law, where necessary. The Oversight Committee met again 12/1/2020.
Additionally, as you are likely aware, multiple parties have filed lawsuits related to allegations of fraud. This is part of our elections process and these parties deserve their day in court.
In 2018, we passed legislation to strengthen the audit process and require the secretary of state to undertake certain best practices to ensure the most accurate results. Article II, Section 4(1)(h) of the Michigan Constitution allows any qualified voter to request an audit to ensure the accuracy and integrity of the election. I am confident I would not be alone in requesting such an audit should our secretary of state decide not to conduct one.
The Legislature successfully intervened and defended existing Michigan election law in the lead up to the election. Such intervention ensured that the following provisions of Michigan law remained in force: (1) absentee ballots had to be received by Election Day; (2) Michigan’s ban on ballot harvesting (3) the ban on paying for the transportation of another voter to the polls; (4) Michigan’s signature matching requirements for absent voters; and (5) Michigan’s proof of residency requirements.
Again, thank you for contacting Sen. Shirkey. We are glad you gave us the opportunity to listen and share what’s being done.
Serving with and for you,
Office of Sen. Mike Shirkey 16th Senate District 517-373-5932
Hello,
Thank you for contacting Senate Majority Leader Shirkey to express your concerns regarding our elections. I believe that protecting the integrity of our elections should be a priority for every citizen.
Our citizens must have complete confidence in the fairness of the elections that determine their representatives. Following the election on Nov. 3, the Senate Oversight Committee launched hearings to investigate claims of errors or fraud that may have impacted the election results. It met Saturday, November 7th at 11:00am. One of the committee’s first actions was to subpoena records from the secretary of state. I believe it is our duty as legislators to provide a forum to review policies and procedures regarding our elections so we can reveal the truth, dispel myths, and propose changes in the law, where necessary.
Additionally, as you are likely aware, multiple parties have filed lawsuits related to allegations of fraud. This is part of our elections process and these parties deserve their day in court.
In 2018, we passed legislation to strengthen the audit process and require the secretary of state to undertake certain best practices to ensure the most accurate results. Article II, Section 4(1)(h) of the Michigan Constitution allows any qualified voter to request an audit to ensure the accuracy and integrity of the election. I am confident I would not be alone in requesting such an audit should our secretary of state decide not to conduct one.
The Legislature successfully intervened and defended existing Michigan election law in the lead up to the election. Such intervention ensured that the following provisions of Michigan law remained in force: (1) absentee ballots had to be received by Election Day; (2) Michigan’s ban on ballot harvesting (3) the ban on paying for the transportation of another voter to the polls; (4) Michigan’s signature matching requirements for absent voters; and (5) Michigan’s proof of residency requirements.
Again, thank you for contacting Sen. Shirkey. We are glad you gave us the opportunity to listen and share what’s being done.
Respectfully,
Ben Kauffman
Constituent and District Affairs Director
Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey
16th District